Face masks as a potential source for inhalation and oral uptake of inanimate toxins

Kai Kisielinski a
, Stefan Hockertz b, Oliver Hirsch c, Stephan Korupp d, Bernd Klosterhalfen e, Andreas Schnepf f, Gerald Dyker g






Highlights


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Face masks filter bacteria, dirt, plastic fibres, but may also cause health harms.
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Inhalation of particles and potentially toxic substances from the mask is possible.
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We found high micro- and nanoplastics release and content.
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we evidenced exceedances for volatile organic compounds, acrolein, phthalates.
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also for xylene, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2.



Abstract

Background

From 2020 to 2023 many people around the world were forced to wear masks for large proportions of the day based on mandates and laws. We aimed to study the potential of face masks for the content and release of inanimate toxins.

Methods

A scoping review of 1003 studies was performed (database search in PubMed/MEDLINE, qualitative and quantitative evaluation).

Results

24 studies were included (experimental time 17 min to 15 days) evaluating content and/or release in 631 masks (273 surgical, 228 textile and 130 N95 masks). Most studies (63%) showed alarming results with high micro- and nanoplastics (MPs and NPs) release and exceedances could also be evidenced for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), xylene, acrolein, per-/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), phthalates (including di(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, DEHP) and for Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, Sb and TiO2.

Discussion

Of course, masks filter larger dirt and plastic particles and fibers from the air we breathe and have specific indications, but according to our data they also carry risks. Depending on the application, a risk-benefit analysis is necessary.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, mask mandates during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have been generating an additional source of potentially harmful exposition to toxins with health threatening and carcinogenic properties at population level with almost zero distance to the airways.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0147651323013623