Author(s)

Abderrahim Lakhouit, Wael S. Al-Rashed^*

Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

To reduce the impact of the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, popularly known as the Coronavirus, many public health-related rules have been established around the world. Along with social distancing and lockdowns, most countries have mandatory wearing of face masks in public areas to limit the spread of the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, because people are free to choose any method to make their masks, some are being fabricated from materials that can be toxic to the environment and human health. This paper discusses how inks and dyes used in face masks are causing major environmental degradation and health issues in industry workers and the general mask-wearing public. The goal fixed for the present study is to raise the alarm with authorities and decision-makers regarding the toxic nature of some colors (dyes and inks) and fabrics in the masks being worn every day.

Face Masks, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Inks, Dyes

Lakhouit, A. and Al-Rashed, W. (2022) The Impact of Face Mask Inks and Dyes on the Environment and Human Health. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 10, 87-99. doi: 10.4236/gep.2022.1012007.