Face Masks Protect You from Harmful PFAS

Surgical and N95 masks protect you the most from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). So, continue to wear face masks.

Face masks have become mandatory during COVID-19 pandemic. A new study has found that wearing face masks reduce your exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Now, researchers reporting in ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that most face masks tested contain low or negligible levels of PFAS, except for one marketed to firefighters, which could pose health risks in certain situations.

Home Cooked Meals Reduce Exposure to Harmful PFAS Chemicals
Preparing meals at home can reduce your exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals that are commonly found in take-out and fast food packaging, revealed new research.

‘Surgical and N95 masks protect you the most from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).’

Manufacturers design face masks to not only prevent inhalation of particles and pathogens but also to repel fluids, so some companies could be adding PFAS coatings to their products. During the current pandemic, people have been wearing face masks for long periods, which could expose them to PFAS through inhalation, skin exposure or accidental ingestion.

In addition, used masks end up in landfills, where the compounds might leach out into the environment. Ivan Titaley at Oregon State University and colleagues wanted to measure PFAS in different types of face masks and analyze the implications for human exposure and the environment.

The researchers used mass spectrometry to measure nonvolatile and volatile PFAS in nine types of face masks: one surgical, one N95, six reusable cloth and a heat-resistant fabric mask advertised to firefighters.

Not all In-home Water Filters can Effectively Get Rid of Toxic PFAS
New study finds that not only are some water filters incapable of removing potentially harmful chemicals from drinking water; they may actually increase the quantity of those toxins if not maintained properly.

Surgical and N95 masks had the lowest levels, whereas the firefighting mask had the highest amount.

Next, the team estimated the dose of PFAS that could cause health problems from chronic exposure, based on prior animal studies.

Compostable Food Containers Could Release PFAS into Environment, Reveals Study
Compostable food containers were found to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the compost, reports study published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters.

According to the calculations, regular wear of the surgical, N95 and cloth masks would not pose a risk. However, the higher PFAS levels in the firefighter mask exceeded the dose considered safe, but only when worn for a full day (10 hours) at a high activity level, such as exercising or working in ways that boost the wearer’s respiration.

Next, the researchers analyzed the environmental impact of PFAS from surgical and N95 masks (which comprise over 99% of masks discarded in landfills). They estimated that even if everyone in the U.S. over age 5 threw away one mask per day (90 billion masks per year), masks would be only a minor source of PFAS in landfill leachates and domestic water.

Anti-Fogging Sprays and Cloths Contain High Levels of PFAS
High levels of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are found in anti-fogging sprays and cloths.

According to the researchers, this study should encourage the public to continue wearing face masks, especially during a pandemic. It could also help people make informed decisions about what type of masks to wear and encourage manufacturers to consider the chemicals used in masks, they explain.

The authors acknowledge funding or support from the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Policy Collaboratory.

Source-Eurekalert