Development of an Objective Method for Determining the Risk of Inhaling Micro/Nano Plastic Particles Due To Mask Usage
Project no. 32050 · Status: Kapanmış (Yayın bekleniyor) · 2024
Summary
<p>Face masks are a protective product used by healthcare professionals and have been used by everyone on a global scale with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although masks are indispensable in preventing the spread of the pandemic, some undesirable effects related to this protective equipment have also come to the fore. One of these is micro and nano plastic debris that breaks off from masks and can enter the body through inhalation. Face masks are produced from non-woven fabric layers made of polymers such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). Wearing the mask for a long time can cause this material to wear out and plastic pieces that can enter the respiratory tract can be exposed.</p><p>The long-term exposure to microplastic debris raises significant concerns about its potential biological impacts. While the health implications of inhaling respirable microplastics from face masks are not yet fully understood, initial evidence indicates that these particles may lead to detrimental biological responses, including oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. The likelihood of inhaling an increased amount of microplastics is particularly elevated in the case of reused or long-worn masks.</p><p>Therefore, in this project, where the potential of mask usage to create a respirable plastic risk is examined, the numerical evaluation of the risk in question aims to create a new roadmap for developing strategies to reduce this risk by intervening in mask production processes in continuous processes. This issue is a critical need in terms of both public health and the environment.</p><p>There is no objective method to quantitatively measure the amount of respirable micro/nano plastic debris originating from masks in current national and international standards. The prototype device developed with the aim of closing this gap with this project has significant potential in terms of both creating awareness with an innovative measurement method and directly contributing to public health and increasing Turkey's competitiveness in the global market.</p>