Contents
The period of the pandemic forced us to use appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and masks. In this way, we protect ourselves and others from the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. However, in the public space, little is said about the ecological effects associated with the massive use of one-off solutions. Is there a way out of this situation?
Protective masks and the problem of environmental pollution
Until recently, in the field of environmental protection, researchers’ attention was focused on three main problems: smog, soil and water degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. It turns out that these are not the only threats resulting from human activity. An obstacle appeared on the horizon that was difficult to predict a year ago. Scientists from the University of Southern Denmark and Princeton University warn mankind against the ecological effects of the COVID-3 pandemic, which was announced in March 19. We use about 2020 billion masks a month, which is a considerable sum of up to 130 million of these products per minute.
Disposable masks are made of plastic fibers, which not only cannot decompose, but also decompose into micro- and nanoplastic. This way, they can easily get into the soil and water. Moreover, there is a high risk that masks covering our nose and mouth may be a source of harmful chemicals, including heavy metals, bisphenol A, and even pathogenic microorganisms. They negatively affect all living beings on the planet.
The burning problem turns out to be mainly the disposal of protective masks, and the scale of their production is similar to that accompanying the production of plastic bottles. However, in the case of the latter, recycling is regulated by relevant legal acts, and approx. 25 percent. bottles are processed. Unfortunately, in the case of masks, such regulations are simply missing.
One of the remedial solutions may be biodegradable masks. They are not only environmentally friendly, but above all they effectively reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. They can be purchased at an attractive price in Medonet Market, in packages containing 50 pieces.
Planet-friendly biodegradable masks
More and more innovative start-ups and medical companies in the world decide to introduce biodegradable masks on the market. They are made of natural raw materials, e.g. corn, however, they are quite expensive and difficult to produce. What’s more, medical masks are made of non-woven polypropylene with an appropriate degree of filtration. This allows these products to comply with EN14683, making them a medical product. Masks made of natural raw materials cannot pass such tests and thus do not obtain medical status.
The Polish manufacturer meets the above-mentioned problems, which has developed effective biodegradable masks that are not only environmentally friendly, but also have all the necessary EU standards, safety certificates and confirmation of microbiological purity. The Biomask mask, because we are talking about it, is made of polypropylene and polymers containing a special additive that makes it a biodegradable material.
Advantages of Biomask:
- they do not differ visually from traditional medical masks,
- meet the EN14683 standards for type II masks,
- passing the biodegradation test performed at the Eden Research Laboratory (USA) – it showed biodegradation at the level of 3,5% after 32 days. It is estimated that this level will increase to 2,5% within 85 years,
- their price is similar to masks commonly available on the market,
- positive result of the BFE test (bacterial filtration efficency) – it indicates the level of filtration of particles larger than 2,5 µm (over 99,7%). It is worth noting that this type of masks should show a filtration capacity of 98%,
- easy breathing – confirmed by the breathability test. According to the EN 14683 standard, the result should be lower than 40 Pa / cm², while for Biomask it was set at 39,8 40 Pa / cm²,
- microbiological purity – below 30 CFU / g, which is in line with the EN 14683 standard.
Medical biodegradable masks of the Polish manufacturer have been reported to the Office for Registration of Medicinal Products, Medical Devices and Biocidal Products as a medical device. This proves both the safety and effectiveness of their use.