The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis (see Supporting Information for details) of the degrading face masks ( Fig. Similarly, disposable face masks (single use) that get to the environment (disposal in landfill, dumpsites, freshwater, oceans or littering at public spaces) could be emerging new source of microplastic fibers, as they can degrade/fragment or break down into smaller size/pieces of particles under 5 mm known as microplastics under environmental conditions. For instance, plastic packaging materials, drinking bottles, and fast food containers are leading sources of microplastics pollution globally ( Fadare et al., 2020). Single-use polymeric materials have been identified as a significant source of plastics and plastic particle pollution in the environment ( Schnurr et al., 2018). Photo credit: OceansAsia (with permission) and Dr. Showed different face mask’ brands and their description. There may exist variations in the formation of the product from one manufacturer to the other. Shows the basic principle of face mask production through electrospinning ( Zafar et al., 2016). The melt-blown filter is the main filtering layer of the mask produced by the conventional fabrication of micro- and nanofibers, where melted polymer is extruded through tiny nozzles, with high speed blowing gas ( Dutton, 2008). They consist of three layers an inner layer (soft fibers), middle layer (melt-blown filter), and an outer layer (nonwoven fibers, which are water-resistant and usually colored). Moreso, many countries are relaxing lockdown orders due to the adverse effects on the economy and mental health, and this could lead to a second wave of infection.ĭisposable face masks (single use face masks) are produced from polymers such as polypropylene, polyurethane, polyacrylonitrile, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polyester ( Potluri and Needham, 2005). The demand is expected to increase as the number of Covid-19 infected persons globally stands at 3.84 million, with over 260, 000 deaths as of ( Worldometer, 2020). Also, according to the Japanese Ministry of economy, trade, and industry (METI), over 600 million order of face masks per month was secured as of April 2020 ( METI, 2020). For instance, China increased its daily production of medical masks to 14.8 million as of February 2020 ( Xinhua, 2020). Major players in face mask production have therefore scaled up their output. This demand has resulted in an unprecedented rise in the global production of face masks which are produced using polymeric materials. According to the WHO estimates, approximately 89 million medical masks were needed to respond to Covid-19 each month ( WHO, 2020). The introduction of face masks ( Wu et al., 2020) as one of the precautionary measures to slow down the transmission rate of Covid-19 from person to person has resulted in a global shortage of face masks for the most venerable group, which are the HCWs ( Wu et al., 2020). Previous studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of face masks in protecting against respiratory infection during Hajj ( Elachola et al., 2014 Barasheed et al., 2016). It has also been argued that it can help in reducing the number of times a person touches the face/mouth/nose with unwashed hands, which can significantly reduce the chance of infection. In regards to the current pandemic, researchers have advocated for the use of face masks by the general public until the mode of transmission of Covid-19 is fully understood ( Leung et al., 2020). Moreso, authorities had recommended the same for the masses to stem the widespread of these viruses. Although the disposable face masks were primarily made for the protection of health-care workers (HCWs) to prevent occupational hazards, non-medical professionals adopted the use of face masks during the outbreak of SARS in 2003 and pdm H1N1 in 2009 ( Elachola et al., 2020 Yang et al., 2008). Others are social distancing, travel restriction, isolation, good hand hygiene (washing of hands), avoiding public or crowded spaces as well as the mass wearing of disposable face masks ( Freedman, 2020 Lin et al., 2020 Chintalapudi et al., 2020). Governments at all levels have brought up different ideas, including lockdown (staying at home), which has been adjudged the most effective preventive measure so far. Since the emergence and detection of Covid-19 in China and its declaration as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) ( Murray et al., 2020), various measures have been put in place in different countries across the world to contain the virus and its further spread.
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