Environmental Impact of Selecting Disposable Medical Masks and Cloth Masks during COVID-19

Shimao Ma

2022

Abstract

With the outbreak of COVID-19, masks have become daily protective articles that everyone needs. Because masks can block the spread of the virus and reduce the risk of infection. The use of many disposable medical masks has brought great pressure to the environment. Therefore, this study will compare the environmental impact of disposable medical masks and cloth masks. From the point of view of material and manufacturing technology, which kind of mask is more friendly to the environment is analyzed. Firstly, the composition and characteristics of disposable masks and cloth masks with replaceable filter elements are described. Secondly, it describes the impact of disposable medical masks and cloth masks on the environment, including the impact on animals, plants, soil, and the ocean. Finally, it is concluded that the use of naturally degradable cloth masks is more environmentally friendly than disposable medical masks. It is recommended that people minimize the use of disposable medical masks during the COVID-19. This study fills a gap in how to solve the problem of mask pollution. We can reduce the harm of masks to the environment from the perspective of finding alternative products, to achieve the long-term goal of sustainable development.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Ma S. (2022). Environmental Impact of Selecting Disposable Medical Masks and Cloth Masks during COVID-19. In Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Health Big Data and Intelligent Healthcare - Volume 1: ICHIH, ISBN 978-989-758-596-8, pages 385-390. DOI: 10.5220/0011370800003438

in Bibtex Style

@conference{ichih22,
author={Shimao Ma},
title={Environmental Impact of Selecting Disposable Medical Masks and Cloth Masks during COVID-19},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Health Big Data and Intelligent Healthcare - Volume 1: ICHIH,},
year={2022},
pages={385-390},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0011370800003438},
isbn={978-989-758-596-8},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 1st International Conference on Health Big Data and Intelligent Healthcare - Volume 1: ICHIH,
TI - Environmental Impact of Selecting Disposable Medical Masks and Cloth Masks during COVID-19
SN - 978-989-758-596-8
AU - Ma S.
PY - 2022
SP - 385
EP - 390
DO - 10.5220/0011370800003438