TITLE:
The Impact of Face Mask Inks and Dyes on the Environment and Human Health
AUTHORS:
Abderrahim Lakhouit, Wael S. Al-Rashed
KEYWORDS:
Face Masks, COVID-19, Coronavirus, Inks, Dyes
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.10 No.12,
December
13,
2022
ABSTRACT: 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.