Masks physically degrade into nanoplastics, chemically change with exposure to sunlight, metals.
Masks physically degrade into nanoplastics, chemically change with exposure to sunlight, metals.
The face masks worn and discarded during the COVID-19 pandemic have an uncertain fate. Their physical damage to the environment and potential to trap organisms in ecosystems are significant concerns, but these are not the only issues. New research shows that the surrounding environment can change the chemical nature of the mask materials just as those materials can change the surrounding environment.
Disposable face masks, composed of polypropylene, can degrade into micro- and nanoplastics under sunlight, producing reactive oxygen species, highly potent oxidizing agents that can oxidize other environmental components and trigger unexpected reactions.
Recent research conducted by engineers at Washington University in St. Louis, led by Young-Shin Jun, a professor of energy, environmental and chemical engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering, highlights the multipronged pollution problem posed by discarded face masks.
Read More: Washington University in St. Louis
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