Now that the new crown pneumonia Epidemic has seen a multi-location distribution, the demand for masks has become greater. Have you ever wondered where all those discarded masks go? A recent Weibo search seems to give the answer.
According to a new report published by Oceans Asia, a marine conservation organization, a total of about 52 billion masks were produced worldwide in 2020, of which at least 1.56 billion were littered into the ocean.
It would take more than 450 years to degrade these masks, and even if they did, they would damage marine ecosystems.
In September 2020, volunteers found a muzzle in the stomach of a malnourished penguin carcass on a Brazilian beach.
The muzzle that saved human lives is now a wildlife killer. What exactly do you do with used masks? It’s Time for some introspection.
Do masks really have to degrade for 450 years?
According to a report in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, up to 194 billion disposable masks are used each month worldwide.
And according to a study by the American Chemical Society, if the global population uses one mask per day, the world will add 129 billion discarded masks and 65 billion pairs of discarded gloves per month.
The number is quite huge, and if not handled correctly, the harm caused to the environment is incalculable.
Masks are generally composed of non-woven fabrics, activated carbon and other materials, and these synthetic components are mainly polypropylene and polyethylene.
Although there is not an authoritative timetable for the degradation of waste. However, the main raw material of masks is polyethylene, etc., general hydrolysis and microorganisms have no degradation effect on it, and it may take 400-500 years to degrade in the environment.
What are the consequences of discarding masks at random?
Discarded masks may have short and long-term effects on society, the environment, and humans themselves.
1、The plastic fragments of decomposing masks will float around in nature for a long time and will eventually come to affect the environment in different forms.
2、A large part of the discarded protective waste such as masks flows into the ocean. And because the shape of the mask is similar to jellyfish, leading to the phenomenon of accidental swallowing by other organisms, greatly affecting the ecological balance of the ocean.
3、Not only that, the plastic fragments decomposed by masks, through the accumulation of the Food chain, will eventually affect humans themselves.
4、Masks carry the possibility of secondary transmission of viruses.
How to handle masks properly?
Ordinary healthy people can just throw them into the trash because the risk is low.
People with symptoms such as cold and cough, sneezing, or those who have been in contact with such people should first dispose of the masks into the trash, and then dispose of them by using a 5% 84 disinfectant solution in a 1:99 ratio and then sprinkling it onto the masks. If disinfectant is not available, masks can also be disposed of in sealed bags.
People suspected of infection, isolated for observation
The masks should be handed over to medical personnel for special treatment.
When handling masks, care should be taken to
- Try not to touch the outside of the mask to avoid infection.
2、After handling the mask, you need to wash your hands promptly.
3、Before discarding the masks, please cut the straps or mark them with ink or marker with a fork to prevent illegal recycling and serious contamination.
How to wear the mask correctly?
1、You should wash your hands before wearing the mask to maintain hygiene.
2、Distinguish the inner and outer side of the mask and the up and down direction, the light-colored side is the inner side, and the metal strip nose clip is on the top.
3, first hang the ear hangings of the mask on both ears, then pull the folds up and down so that the mask covers the mouth, nose and jaw, and the mask fits completely with the face.
4、Press the metal strips on both sides of the nose bridge with both hands until it is tight to the nose bridge, and adjust the mask appropriately to fit the face completely.
When taking off the mask, pay attention to the ear hangings of the mask, try not to touch the outside of the mask, and remember to wash your hands after taking off the mask.
Is it necessary to change masks one at a time?
In fact, all protective masks (including N95 masks) are single-use. However, if there are conditions that require reuse, special attention should be paid to the following points.
- Make sure the used mask is not contaminated.
- Hang used masks in a designated area or place them in a clean, sealed bag. This minimizes potential cross-contamination.
3、Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands before and after taking off the mask.
4、If the mask is damaged, soiled or if you feel difficulty in breathing after wearing it, take it off and discard it.
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