Around the world, and especially in the United States, the number of COVID-19 cases has reached unprecedented levels in recent weeks. As the days get colder and gatherings move indoors, wearing a mask is now more important than ever in order to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Guidelines from the CDC note that a mask protects both the wearer and those nearby; you are much less likely to either transmit or receive the virus while wearing one.
But when it comes to choosing a mask, which kind is best? This week, I want to take a look at this question from an environmental perspective, taking into consideration CDC guidelines and safe health practices while examining the impact of mask usage on waste and pollution.
What mask options exist?
N95, KN95, and surgical masks have been widely touted throughout the pandemic for their effectiveness in blocking virus-carrying droplets and airborne particles. These masks, along with non-medical disposable masks, are single-use, meaning they need to be disposed of and replaced at least daily to maintain their effectiveness. These masks are made of various types of plastics; polypropylene is most common, but polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, and polyester are also used.
Over the course of the pandemic, demand for disposable masks has increased to record levels. One study estimates that the global demand for single-use masks by the general public could reach 129 billion facemasks per month. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development expects that the global disposable mask market will be worth $166 billion by the end of the year—over 200 times its worth in 2019.
Reusable masks, on the other hand, include homemade and store-bought cloth masks, neck gaiters, and bandanas. While the materials used to make these masks can vary widely, those made from 100% cotton fibers generally tend to work better than those made with synthetic materials. The CDC strongly recommends that reusable masks be made of at least two layers of fabric, and that they be fitted close to the face to ensure that particles don’t escape out the sides or bottom of the mask. Reusable masks must also be washed frequently in order to prevent contamination.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle?
Which type of mask, then, is more environmentally friendly?
The first point here is that single-use masks cannot be recycled, for multiple reasons. Recycling facilities aren’t equipped to handle masks, which can get caught in the equipment. Furthermore, placing a used and potentially contaminated mask in the recycling bin risks spreading the virus to workers in waste and recycling facilities.
Disposable masks also pose the challenge of polluting our public resources when they aren’t properly disposed of. They wash up on beaches, are found floating in rivers and streams, and end up abandoned in the middle of the sidewalk, as I’ve seen all too often while walking around here in Nashville. While this is displeasing simply from an aesthetic viewpoint, the environmental issues here are multifaceted. Masks floating freely in the water can endanger wildlife: smaller animals can become entangled in the earloops, while larger creatures may end up eating the mask by accident. Additionally, the plastics that make up the mask can take up to 450 years to decompose. As they degrade, they break down into microplastics, which persist in the environment and can end up in the foods you find on your dinner table—posing potential health threats to humans and animals alike.
Reusable masks, on the other hand, need to be washed after each use in order to effectively prevent virus transmission. This uses up water, detergent, and electricity, all of which have some form of environmental impact. However, a study at University College London found that, all things considered, machine-washed reusable masks have the lowest environmental impact compared to hand-washed reusable masks and disposable masks, including those with and without filters.
Using fewer single-use masks, then, can help decrease the amount of plastic that ends up polluting our oceans. Relying primarily on reusable masks also means that we’ll be filling our landfills with less waste and reducing our overall environmental footprint. In short, the most eco-friendly plan is to reduce the amount of single-use masks you use; reuse your cloth masks (after you wash them); and, if you must use them, do not recycle disposable masks.
What can I do?
The CDC, along with healthcare providers, asks that reusable masks be used for everyday wear while leaving surgical masks and N95 respirators available for the doctors and nurses who are working directly with infected patients. Using a reusable mask, then, is both a more environmentally-friendly decision and helps keep supplies available for healthcare providers.
Additionally, there’s ongoing research into creating disposable masks that are biodegradable, and thus avoid the polluting aspects of plastic single-use masks. One company in France, for example, has been creating masks from hemp fiber that can be composted after use.
When it comes to masking up to protect yourself and others, it can be a difficult decision to balance health risks with environmental impact. If you can, the most eco-friendly option is to choose reusable masks over disposable ones. The bottom line, however, is that something is better than nothing—you will always be better off wearing a mask, no matter how environmentally harmful it may be.
Looking to do more? Support local zero-waste initiatives such as the Sew-A-Mask program, run by A Zero Waste Culture in Key Biscayne, FL. Sew-A-Mask repurposes donated cotton fabric to make its masks, while providing “income to women from vulnerable communities who are suffering from the economic hardships caused by unemployment.”
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Thank you for your insightful article. I’m still making masks!!