Facemask Global Challenges: The Case of Effective Synthesis, Utilization, and Environmental Sustainability

Kamyar Shirvanimoghaddam, Bożena Czech, Ram Yadav, Cemile Gokce, Laura Fusco, Lucia Gemma Delogu, Açelya Yilmazer, Graham Brodie, Amani Al-Othman, Adil K. Al-Tamimi, Jarret Grout, Minoo Naebe

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coro-navirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has caused a rapidly spreading pandemic and is severely threatening public health globally. The human-to-human transmission route of SARS-CoV-2 is now well estab-lished. The reported clinical observations and symptoms of this infection in humans appear in the range between being asymptomatic and severe pneumonia. The virus can be transmitted through aerosols and droplets that are released into the air by a carrier, especially when the person coughs, sneezes, or talks forcefully in a closed environment. As the disease progresses, the use and handling of contaminated personal protective equipment and facemasks have become major issues with significant environmental risks. Therefore, providing an effective method for treating used/contami-nated facemasks is crucial. In this paper, we review the environmental challenges and risks associated with the surge in facemask production. We also discuss facemasks and their materials as sources of microplastics and how disposal procedures can potentially lead to the contamination of water resources. We herein review the potential of developing nanomaterial-based antiviral and self-cleaning facemasks. This review discusses these challenges and concludes that the use of sustainable and alternative facemask materials is a promising and viable solution. In this context, it has become essential to address the emerging challenges by developing a new class of facemasks that are effective against the virus, while being biodegradable and sustainable. This paper represents the potentials of natural and/or biodegradable polymers for manufacturing facemasks, such as wood-based polymers, chitosan, and other biodegradable synthetic polymers for achieving sustainability goals during and after pandemics.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number737
JournalSustainability (Switzerland)
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

Keywords

  • Biodegradable materials
  • COVID-19
  • Facemask disposal
  • Facemasks
  • Sustainability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geography, Planning and Development
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
  • Environmental Science (miscellaneous)
  • Energy Engineering and Power Technology
  • Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

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