Environmental impact of disposing of mouth covers, masks or respirators what alternatives do we have?

Abstract

The objective of this article is to study the different options we have to combat the environmental impact generated by the use and disposal of face masks, masks or respirators due to the pandemic that we have been suffering for more than a year (COVID-19). The growing demand for this article of personal protection has also brought with it a growing carbon footprint that we are generating towards the environment, because most of the facial masks that are used are not degradable and must be discarded after a single use. To achieve environmental sustainability, we must work and investigate other options for masks, masks or respirators that can be reused or that are biodegradable, in order to minimize the negative impact on our environment. The masks that are analyzed in this article for the raw material with which they are made are N95 and fabric masks, especially cotton ones.