How to combat the devastating impact of disposable face masks on the environment
How to combat the devastating impact of disposable face masks on the environment
As the world began to grapple with a pandemic, face masks became the norm, even mandatory, in many countries. When looking to protect themselves and others, most people turned to single-use disposable masks. The lesser-known problem? Plastic waste on a monumental scale, and a long-lasting environmental impact on our planet.
How many masks are thrown away each year?
The latest studies report that 129 billion (yes, BILLION) face masks are being used each month around the world. That's 180 million every hour. This is a mind-boggling mountain of masks that ultimately create a catastrophic amount of waste.
Are disposable masks bad for the environment?
The short answer is yes. Despite the disposable description, these masks never really disappear. With no official guidance on how to recycle them, they're destined to hang around in the environment for tens, if not hundreds, of years. Made up of mostly polypropylene, disposable masks will eventually break down into microplastics, which often end up in the sea and rivers, and can cause harm to aquatic life.
Before breaking down into microplastics, disposable masks have the potential to create havoc for wildlife around the world. Scientists have already spotted masks on the uninhabited Soko Islands, floating in the rivers in Jakarta Bay and on the coasts of Kenya. These masks, made up of ear loops and metal nose bridges, can become entangled around animals, causing serious injury and death.
You can do your bit for the environment by ditching single-use disposable masks, and buying a sustainable face mask that can be reused over and over again.
How many masks are thrown away each year?
The latest studies report that 129 billion (yes, BILLION) face masks are being used each month around the world. That's 180 million every hour. This is a mind-boggling mountain of masks that ultimately create a catastrophic amount of waste.
Are disposable masks bad for the environment?
The short answer is yes. Despite the disposable description, these masks never really disappear. With no official guidance on how to recycle them, they're destined to hang around in the environment for tens, if not hundreds, of years. Made up of mostly polypropylene, disposable masks will eventually break down into microplastics, which often end up in the sea and rivers, and can cause harm to aquatic life.
Before breaking down into microplastics, disposable masks have the potential to create havoc for wildlife around the world. Scientists have already spotted masks on the uninhabited Soko Islands, floating in the rivers in Jakarta Bay and on the coasts of Kenya. These masks, made up of ear loops and metal nose bridges, can become entangled around animals, causing serious injury and death.
You can do your bit for the environment by ditching single-use disposable masks, and buying a sustainable face mask that can be reused over and over again.
Made in the UK
Designed to combat poor air quality in cities,
before the pandemic
Performance meets comfort
Effective filtration, helping you to
breathe easily when on the move
Reusable and sustainable
A mask that’s made to last,
with replaceable filters
Is it safe to reuse face masks?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend that disposable masks should generally be used just once. In exceptional circumstances, such as where there is a shortage, some guidelines allow disposable masks to be reused as a last resort, as long as they are not soiled, wet, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Material safety risks appear to be minimal. Robert Landsiedel, vice-chairman of Germany's Society for Toxicology, points out that surgical masks tend to release fibres as they age, which can't easily be inhaled into the respiratory system but they can irritate the skin and mucus membranes. In simple language – they can cause the dreaded mask acne, affectionately known as “macne”.
Reusable face masks are designed to be just that, reused, and therefore they're completely safe to be used repeatedly, as long as you wash them regularly. In the words of Eric from the Netflix hit, Sex Education, don’t be a "detty pig”. For those not familiar with Sex Education, check it out. You're welcome. We digress, back to face masks.
Reusable masks range from cloth face coverings to more comprehensive pollution masks with replaceable filters. The Airhead Mask is an eco-friendly pollution mask, with technical filters that are designed to be replaced after 30-60 hours of use, for optimal performance. One of the best features: it's modular, so the mask can easily be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly.
If you want to look your best, reduce waste and keep your skin clear, get yourself a stylish eco-friendly mask that can be reused and cleaned easily – you know where to look!
Can face masks be cleaned?
Masks are designed to cover your nose and mouth, so it's very important that they are kept clean. How to clean your mask will depend on which type of mask you have:
How to sanitise a pollution mask?
To clean your pollution mask, the first step is to remove the filter. Then, hand wash any plastic parts in warm soapy water and throw any cloth components into the washing machine. Once dry, simply reassemble and enjoy use of your mask. The Airhead Mask has been designed to make it as easy as possible for all of the above to happen.
How to sanitise a reusable face covering?
Always follow the instructions that come with a mask but, in general, basic cloth masks can be machine washed alongside the rest of your laundry. Once dry, they're good to go again.
Can you sanitise a disposable surgical mask?
Unless you happen to be a medical professional with access to a specialised UVC cleaning machine, it's very difficult to sanitise a surgical mask. Importantly, if you believe it may have been exposed to any infectious particles, it should be disposed of safely in a closed bin.
Is it safe to reuse face masks?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommend that disposable masks should generally be used just once. In exceptional circumstances, such as where there is a shortage, some guidelines allow disposable masks to be reused as a last resort, as long as they are not soiled, wet, damaged or difficult to breathe through. Material safety risks appear to be minimal. Robert Landsiedel, vice-chairman of Germany's Society for Toxicology, points out that surgical masks tend to release fibres as they age, which can't easily be inhaled into the respiratory system but they can irritate the skin and mucus membranes. In simple language – they can cause the dreaded mask acne, affectionately known as “macne”.
Reusable face masks are designed to be just that, reused, and therefore they're completely safe to be used repeatedly, as long as you wash them regularly. In the words of Eric from the Netflix hit, Sex Education, don’t be a "detty pig”. For those not familiar with Sex Education, check it out. You're welcome. We digress, back to face masks.
Reusable masks range from cloth face coverings to more comprehensive pollution masks with replaceable filters. The Airhead Mask is an eco-friendly pollution mask, with technical filters that are designed to be replaced after 30-60 hours of use, for optimal performance. One of the best features: it's modular, so the mask can easily be taken apart and cleaned thoroughly.
If you want to look your best, reduce waste and keep your skin clear, get yourself a stylish eco-friendly mask that can be reused and cleaned easily – you know where to look!
Can face masks be cleaned?
Masks are designed to cover your nose and mouth, so it's very important that they are kept clean. How to clean your mask will depend on which type of mask you have:
How to sanitise a pollution mask?
To clean your pollution mask, the first step is to remove the filter. Then, hand wash any plastic parts in warm soapy water and throw any cloth components into the washing machine. Once dry, simply reassemble and enjoy use of your mask. The Airhead Mask has been designed to make it as easy as possible for all of the above to happen.
How to sanitise a reusable face covering?
Always follow the instructions that come with a mask but, in general, basic cloth masks can be machine washed alongside the rest of your laundry. Once dry, they're good to go again.
Can you sanitise a disposable surgical mask?
Unless you happen to be a medical professional with access to a specialised UVC cleaning machine, it's very difficult to sanitise a surgical mask. Importantly, if you believe it may have been exposed to any infectious particles, it should be disposed of safely in a closed bin.
Do your part for the environment
By choosing to wear a reusable mask, rather than a disposable one, you can help to reduce waste and do your bit for the planet. Designed and made in the UK, we've created an effective mask to help you move more and breathe clean air, comfortably. Get yours today.