Source BBC
Disposable face masks could be releasing chemical pollutants and nano-plastics into the environment, researchers have warned.
Scientists said there needed to be better regulation and more research carried out.
The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throw-away masks were submerged in water.
The researchers said the public health impact needed more investigation.
“Before the pandemic, we were looking at reducing the use of plastic straws, reducing packaging, but now we are looking at hundreds and thousands of these masks being disposed,” said the project leader, Dr Sarper Sarp, of the university’s College of Engineering.
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