The Hidden Environmental Cost of Face Masks: How Disposable Masks Contribute to Microplastic Pollution In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, disposable face masks became our everyday armor against an invisible enemy. Billions were produced, worn, and discarded, saving countless lives but leaving a lingering question: What happens to all that waste? A recent study published in Environmental Pollution (2024) by researchers Anna A. Bogush and Ivan Kourtchev from Coventry University sheds light on a troubling side effect—disposable masks as a sneaky source of microplastics and harmful chemicals leaching into our environment. If you're concerned about plastic pollution, ocean health, or the long-term legacy of the pandemic, this is a must-read. Let's dive into the findings and explore what it means for our planet. The Pandemic's Plastic Boom: A Quick Recap Remember 2020? As the world grappled with COVID-19, face masks went from niche medical gear to global essentials. The ...