WHILE scientists, virologists and researchers are continuing to work hard to find a way out of the Covid labyrinth, there may well be another trouble on the cards owing to the hazards of not properly disposing of personal protective equipment (PPE), masks and gloves that have marked life during the pandemic.

The production and use of masks has significantly increased during the time, and understandably so, but unsafe disposal may prove counterproductive.

These masks contain a considerable amount of plastics or derivatives of plastics which can increase plastic pollution. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), inadequate management of only one per cent of masks may add up to a waste mound of 30,000kg to 40,000kg per day.

Besides, breaking down of masks can contribute to micro-plastic pollution.

These small particles end up in seawater and freshwater, and, as such, pose new environmental challenges, like the particles getting ingested by marine life and, thus, entering the food chain. It should worry us that a single-use mask takes hundreds of years to disintegrate due to the presence of polypropylene. Also, masks contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, which may contribute to global warming.

The volume of mismanaged waste is higher in Asian countries as there is no appropriate disposal method specified compared to European countries. To overcome this issue, the authorities should formulate policies for ensuring safe disposal of the used masks.

There should be awareness campaigns run through social and national media.

Biodegradable mask is a sustainable alternative which may scale down as much as 30-70pc carbon dioxide emissions than non-biodegradable masks.

Plastic waste can also be converted through the process of pyrolysis to extract fuel and to produce hydrogen.

Naimatullah Gadhi
Khairpur Mirs

Published in Dawn, February 28th, 2022