Emissão de microplásticos para a atmosfera durante a degradação de máscaras descartáveis

Abstract

The application of polymer has reshaped the consumption and production profile of today's society. In this sense, during the COVID-19, pandemic there was a high demand and production of disposable face masks for daily use by health professionals and the world's population, which were used as personal protective equipment to reduce the viral transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Together with excessive consumption, inadequate disposal and the slow degradation of these plastic items can lead to the release of a range of substances that are potentially harmful to life and the environment. Among these, microplastics can be mentioned, which are being determined and reported in all environmental compartments. The main objective of this work is to review studies on the emission of microplastics into the atmosphere during the degradation of disposable masks and the environmental and ecotoxicological consequences of plastic pollution caused by this plastic waste. Furthermore, it aims to evaluate possible strategies to minimize environmental and consumption impacts. It is worth highlighting that the release of microplastics from the degradation of face masks is characterized as a new environmental challenge in relation to the impacts and the health and well-being of living organisms exposed to these particles. Therefore, the disposal and management of disposable masks must be well structured for the knowledge and collaboration of the world population, since the impacts caused by the exposure, ingestion and inhalation of the released particles are still being studied and are global problems. As a strategy to mitigate plastic pollution from face masks, improvements in the management of this new flow of plastic waste can be mentioned, by including multifunctional materials in the manufacture of these items, by raising awareness of global disposal and management and by implementing disinfection processes for reusing masks without compromising their original properties.