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Disposable Polypropylene Face Masks: A Potential Source of Micro/Nanoparticles and Organic Contaminates in Humans.
Guo, Yunhe; Liu, Yanna; Xiang, Tongtong; Li, Junya; Lv, Meilin; Yan, Yuhao; Zhao, Jing; Sun, Jiazheng; Yang, Xiaoxi; Liao, Chunyang; Fu, Jianjie; Shi, Jianbo; Qu, Guangbo; Jiang, Guibin.
  • Guo Y; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Liu Y; Key Laboratory of Environment Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
  • Xiang T; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Li J; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Lv M; Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
  • Yan Y; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Zhao J; Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
  • Sun J; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Yang X; Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
  • Liao C; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Fu J; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
  • Shi J; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China.
  • Qu G; Institute of Environment and Health, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310000, China.
  • Jiang G; School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China.
Environ Sci Technol ; 57(14): 5739-5750, 2023 04 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2295941
ABSTRACT
We have been effectively protected by disposable propylene face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic; however, they may pose health risks due to the release of fine particles and chemicals. We measured micro/nanoparticles and organic chemicals in disposable medical masks, surgical masks, and (K)N95 respirators. In the breathing-simulation experiment, no notable differences were found in the total number of particles among mask types or between breathing intensities. However, when considering subranges, <2.5 µm particles accounted for ∼90% of the total number of micro/nanoparticles. GC-HRMS-based suspect screening tentatively revealed 79 (semi)volatile organic compounds in masks, with 18 being detected in ≥80% of samples and 44 in ≤20% of samples. Three synthetic phenolic antioxidants were quantified, and AO168 reached a median concentration of 2968 ng/g. By screening particles collected from bulk mask fabrics, we detected 18 chemicals, including four commonly detected in masks, suggesting chemical partition between the particles and the fabric fibers and chemical exposure via particle inhalation. These particles and chemicals are believed to originate from raw materials, intentionally and nonintentionally added substances in mask production, and their transformation products. This study highlights the need to study the long-term health risks associated with mask wearing and raises concerns over mask quality control.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Nanoparticles / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Environ Sci Technol Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Acs.est.2c06802

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Nanoparticles / COVID-19 Type of study: Diagnostic study / Prognostic study Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Environ Sci Technol Year: 2023 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Acs.est.2c06802