Article
Environmental Sciences
Bing Li, Yuxiong Huang, Dengting Guo, Yuzhi Liu, Ziyi Liu, Jing-Cheng Han, Jian Zhao, Xiaoshan Zhu, Yuefei Huang, Zhenyu Wang, Baoshan Xing
Summary: Since early 2020, the global consumption of face masks has significantly increased due to the COVID-19 outbreak. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding of the environmental risks associated with face masks and the importance of proper waste management.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Du, Shushi Huang, Jun Wang
Summary: This article discusses the indispensable role of plastic products, specifically disposable face masks, in our daily lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the environmental impact of improper disposal and mismanagement of plastic waste, especially the release of microplastics (MPs) from face masks. The study suggests the implementation of green technologies to reduce the amount of discarded face masks and minimize MPs pollution, as well as recommendations for future research directions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diana Carolina Dioses-Salinas, Carlos Ivan Pizarro-Ortega, Sina Dobaradaran, Mohamed Ben-Haddad, Gabriel Enrique De-la-Torre
Summary: Among the environmental impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, contamination with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks is a significant issue. A study in Peru found that PPE pollution, mainly consisting of single-use and reusable face masks, was present in protected areas. The study suggests recommendations to prevent PPE contamination in these areas, as well as for future events where the use of single-use plastics becomes unavoidable.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ceyhun Akarsu, Ozgecan Madenli, Ece Ummu Deveci
Summary: The widespread use of single-use face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about microplastic pollution. A study estimated the amount of face masks produced and used in three cities in Turkey, calling for government action in developing effective waste management policies.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rathinamoorthy Ramasamy, Raja Balasaraswathi Subramanian
Summary: The effectiveness of disposable masks in mitigating the transmission of COVID-19 infection has led to increased consumption and disposal of non-woven masks. This research recycled the disposed-of masks and developed fabric from reclaimed polypropylene (rPP) fibers. Blended yarns and fabrics made from recycled masks were evaluated for their performance, and showed lower microfiber release compared to disposable masks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sukhendu Dey, Palas Samanta, Deblina Dutta, Debajyoti Kundu, Apurba Ratan Ghosh, Sunil Kumar
Summary: Face masks, essential for survival during the COVID-19 pandemic, contribute to a significant amount of waste and environmental pollution, particularly plastic pollution. Improper disposal and mismanagement of face mask waste pose challenges and could result in the release of microfibers and microplastics into the marine environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jie Ma, Fengyuan Chen, Zhen Zhang, Yanping Li, Jingli Liu, Ciara Chun Chen, Ke Pan
Summary: Wearing facemasks is an important strategy to combat COVID-19, but used masks are becoming widespread plastic wastes in the oceans, potentially impacting marine organisms. A study found that the eukaryotic community on discarded masks was significantly different from that in the surrounding seawater. The diversity of colonizing organisms peaked initially and decreased over time, with diatoms forming biofilms on masks followed by other species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Saurabh Shukla, Ramsha Khan, Abhishek Saxena, Selvam Sekar
Summary: The excessive use of plastic products during the Covid-19 pandemic to prevent infection has created significant pressure on the management and disposal of plastic waste. This study assesses the annual usage of face masks and infection rates globally, while discussing the environmental impact of plastic waste generated from face masks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kai Man Alexander Ho, Hywel Davies, Ruth Epstein, Paul Bassett, Aine Hogan, Yusuf Kabir, John Rubin, Gee Yen Shin, Jonathan P. Reid, Ryo Torii, Manish K. Tiwari, Ramanarayanan Balachandran, Laurence B. Lovat
Summary: The study found that wearing masks significantly reduces droplet transmission during singing, and there is no significant difference in droplet transmission between singing and exhalation. This has important implications for guiding singing behavior during religious rituals.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jie Ma, Fengyuan Chen, Huo Xu, Jingli Liu, Ciara Chun Chen, Zhen Zhang, Hao Jiang, Yanping Li, Ke Pan
Summary: Billions of discarded masks have entered the oceans since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. A study reveals that after 30 days of exposure in natural seawater, masks undergo significant aging and become covered with microbial colonies and fouling organisms. These findings provide fundamental data for managing this important plastic waste during the COVID-19 pandemic.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ana L. Patricio Silva, Joana C. Prata, Catherine Mouneyrac, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: The use of disposable face masks has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, but improper disposal has led to a new form of environmental contamination and adverse effects on wildlife. Effective remediation strategies are needed to address this issue.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Henrietta Essie Whyte, Aurelie Joubert, Lara Leclerc, Gwendoline Sarry, Paul Verhoeven, Laurence Le Coq, Jeremie Pourchez
Summary: The study investigates the impact of washing on the performance of face masks and finds that the breathability and filtration efficiency of the masks remain largely unchanged after washing. Community face masks, as a reusable and eco-friendly option, demonstrate high reliability.
ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Silvia Morgana, Barbara Casentini, Stefano Amalfitano
Summary: The study reveals that single-use face masks can release a significant amount of microplastics and nanoparticles into aquatic environments, potentially posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hemal Chowdhury, Tamal Chowdhury, Sadiq M. Sait
Summary: This study estimated the annual face mask utilization and plastic pollution from mismanaged face masks in coastal regions of 46 countries, highlighting that with lower waste management facilities, the number of plastic debris entering the ocean will rise, and calling for significant investments from global communities in improving waste management facilities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana M. Oliveira, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of disposable face masks has led to a significant environmental burden. This critical review discusses the degradation and toxicity of face mask contaminants and emphasizes the need for more research in this area. The lack of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity, as well as the uncertainties in experimental procedures, hinder the comparison with conventional plastic debris. Further studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants and the development of methodological strategies are crucial to understand their environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alex Mikszewski, Luca Stabile, Giorgio Buonanno, Lidia Morawska
Summary: This study assesses the contagiousness of SARS-CoV-2 and compares it with other respiratory pathogens. The research finds that the transmission risk of SARS-CoV-2 is similar to active untreated TB, higher than seasonal influenza, and lower than measles virus. The current ventilation standards may not be sufficient to control the spread of highly contagious viruses like SARS-CoV-2 in crowded settings, indicating the need for additional control measures.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wen-Zhong Huang, Wei-Yun He, Luke D. Knibbs, Bin Jalaludin, Yu-Ming Guo, Lidia Morawska, Joachim Heinrich, Duo-Hong Chen, Yun-Jiang Yu, Xiao-Wen Zeng, Hong-Yao Yu, Bo-Yi Yang, Li-Wen Hu, Ru-Qing Liu, Wen-Ru Feng, Guang-Hui Dong
Summary: This study evaluated the utility of different models and health outcomes in constructing AQHIs, and found that the AQHI constructed with the BMW model may be more effective, especially the one constructed with outpatient data showing the best performance in presenting short-term health risks associated with air pollution co-exposure.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Fausto Arpino, Giorgio Grossi, Gino Cortellessa, Alex Mikszewski, Lidia Morawska, Giorgio Buonanno, Luca Stabile
Summary: This study estimated the risk of infection from the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant for passengers sharing a car cabin with an infected subject for a 30-minute journey. Different factors were investigated, and the results showed that the risk of infection is influenced by key parameters and can be controlled by designing the flow patterns of the indoor environment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
G. Buonanno, A. Robotto, E. Brizio, L. Morawska, A. Civra, F. Corino, D. Lembo, G. Ficco, L. Stabile
Summary: This study fills the gap in understanding the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by measuring the viral load of an infected person in a hospital room and the concentration of the virus in the air from their breathing and speaking. The results show that the airborne concentration of SARS-CoV-2 is directly related to the viral load emitted, and it is below the detection threshold when the person is breathing but slightly higher when speaking.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lidia Morawska, Wendy Miller, Matt Riley, Sotiris Vardoulakis, Yong-Guan Zhu, Guy B. Marks, Prachi Garnawat, Prashant Kumar, Marie Thynell
Summary: The global population is shifting towards cities, leading to an increase in the number and size of cities worldwide. Building and running cities in a harmonious way is challenging due to their complexity as complex systems. The concept of urbanome, the genome of the city, offers a theoretical approach to quantify and evaluate population outcomes.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alex Mikszewski, Luca Stabile, Giorgio Buonanno, Lidia Morawska
Summary: The Delta variant has a higher close proximity reproduction number compared to the wild-type SARS-CoV-2, highlighting the need for improved personal respiratory protection for high-risk workers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
M. Bertone, A. Mikszewski, L. Stabile, G. Riccio, G. Cortellessa, F. R. d'Ambrosio, V. Papa, L. Morawska, G. Buonanno
Summary: Public transport environments play a crucial role in the global spread of SARS-CoV-2. This study applies a novel combination of risk assessment approaches to evaluate the contagion risk of susceptible individuals in public transport environments. The results highlight the importance of considering airborne transmission and implementing mitigation measures to maintain a reproductive number of <1.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rong Wang, Yechen Yang, Xiaofan Xing, Lin Wang, Jianmin Chen, Xu Tang, Junji Cao, Lidia Morawska, Yves Balkanski, Didier Hauglustaine, Philippe Ciais, Jianmin Ma
Summary: By using a statistical model that takes into account both meteorology and primary emissions, the relationship between PM2.5 concentration and climate change can be better understood. This model reduces errors and suggests that climate change may have a greater impact on PM2.5 than previously thought.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. R. R. S. van Beest, F. Arpino, O. Hlinka, E. Sauret, N. R. T. P. van Beest, R. S. Humphries, G. Buonanno, L. Morawska, G. Governatori, N. Motta
Summary: The spread of respiratory diseases indoors through aerosol particles is a significant concern. This study investigates the indoor particle spread using a combination of HVAC ventilation and an opening window. The results show that approximately 80% of particles move from one room to the corridor and over 60% move to a nearby room within a short time.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Jose L. Jimenez, Linsey C. Marr, Katherine Randall, Edward Thomas Ewing, Zeynep Tufekci, Trish Greenhalgh, Raymond Tellier, Julian W. Tang, Yuguo Li, Lidia Morawska, Jonathan Mesiano-Crookston, David Fisman, Orla Hegarty, Stephanie J. Dancer, Philomena M. Bluyssen, Giorgio Buonanno, Marcel G. L. C. Loomans, William P. Bahnfleth, Maosheng Yao, Chandra Sekhar, Pawel Wargocki, Arsen K. Melikov, Kimberly A. Prather
Summary: This article explains the controversy over whether SARS-CoV-2 is mainly transmitted by droplets or aerosols through a historical analysis of transmission research in other diseases. The dominant belief in history was that many diseases were transmitted through the air, but the rise of germ theory challenged this paradigm and discovered other transmission pathways. It was not until the COVID-19 pandemic that airborne transmission was recognized as a significant mode of transmission.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lidia Morawska, Tunga Salthammer
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Tomasz R. Sosnowski, Lidia Morawska, Justyna Szczepanska, Ernest Szajna, Andrej I. Vilkotsky, Marcin Odziomek, Krzysztof Sosnowski
Summary: This paper presents experiments on the effectiveness of different face and nose coverings in reducing aerosol emitted by infected individuals. The results show that although smaller aerosols can penetrate the tested face coverings, their concentrations outside are significantly reduced. The use of masks can reduce the amount of inhaled airborne particles by 1.3-5.7 times compared to not wearing a mask.
ADVANCED POWDER TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Changda Wu, Congrong He, Zachary E. Brown, Branka Miljevic, Chunlin Zhang, Hao Wang, Boguang Wang, Lidia Morawska, Zoran Ristovski
Summary: This study investigates the light absorption, potential sources, and health risks of black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC) during the prescribed burning season in Brisbane. It was found that fossil-fuel combustion contributes more to the total BC, while biomass burning has the potential to form more secondary BrC. Air masses from southern and northern Brisbane were identified as potential pollution sources dominated by biomass burning and traffic emissions. The health risks based on equivalent numbers of passively smoked cigarettes increased during periods with elevated BC emissions, likely from prescribed burns.
ATMOSPHERIC ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rongbin Xu, Tingting Ye, Xu Yue, Zhengyu Yang, Wenhua Yu, Yiwen Zhang, Michelle L. Bell, Lidia Morawska, Pei Yu, Yuxi Zhang, Yao Wu, Yanming Liu, Fay Johnston, Yadong Lei, Michael J. Abramson, Yuming Guo, Shanshan Li
Summary: Wildfires caused by climate change are increasing in severity and frequency, leading to higher levels of air pollution. This study reveals that the global population is increasingly exposed to air pollution from landscape fires, with higher levels in low-income countries compared to high-income countries.
Review
Physics, Applied
Lidia Morawska, Giorgio Buonanno, Alex Mikszewski, Luca Stabile
Summary: The understanding of the physics of particle generation, fate and inhalation in the respiratory tract is still rudimentary, with many unanswered questions. Broadening our knowledge of the fluid dynamics in breathing is crucial for better respiratory health assessment, precise drug delivery, and minimizing respiratory infection transmission.
NATURE REVIEWS PHYSICS
(2022)
