Bisphenol A in Disposable Face Masks: A Novel Human Exposure Pathway and Impact on the Aquatic Environment.

ABSTRACT: We identified and quantified bisphenol A (BPA), a known estrogen-like endocrine disruptor, in disposable face mask samples collected in Hong Kong. Results revealed that BPA is a common contaminant in face masks, with concentrations reaching up to 2 μg/mask. Although polypropylene, the primary material used in mask production, is generally considered to be BPA-free, the contaminant likely originates from additives, such as flame retardants, added during manufacturing. With a dermal absorption coefficient of 0.59 for BPA, the data indicate that mask-borne BPA is readily absorbed by the skin. Notably, 8 of 85 samples could cause the user to exceed the tolerable daily BPA intake set by the European Food Safety Agency (0.0002 μg/kg body weight per day). Additionally, BPA dissolves completely in

SUBMITTER: Tse HT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11837208 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature