Which strategy for using medical and community masks? A prospective analysis of their environmental impact.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The use of personal protective equipment, especially medical masks, increased dramatically during the COVID-19 crisis. Medical masks are made of synthetic materials, mainly polypropylene, and a majority of them are produced in China and imported to the European market. The urgency of the need has so far prevailed over environmental considerations.

Objective

Assess the environmental impact of different strategies for the use of face mask.

Method

A prospective analysis was conducted to assess the environmental impact of different strategies for the use of medical and community masks. Eight scenarios, differentiating the typologies of masks and the modes of reuse are compared using three environmental impact indicators: the Global Warming Potential (GWP100),

SUBMITTER: Bouchet A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8423512 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature