In a study looking at the components of disposable face masks, researchers discovered what Scienmag called “high levels of pollutants, including lead, antimony and copper within the silicon-based and plastic fibers” when the masks were submerged in water.
The study was intended to look at pollution of waterways as a direct link to the COVID-19 pandemic and the single-use masks, but they noted that their findings also “raise the question of the potential damage to public health — warning that repeated exposure could be hazardous as the substances found have known links to cell death, genotoxicity and cancer formation.”
Rather than recommending that mask wearing be ended, though, scientists urged “more research and regulation on mask production.”
SOURCE: Scienmag May 4, 2021