Improper disposal of used face masks can impact community health and the environment
While we are advised to wear our face masks correctly, it is equally important for us to be aware of how to discard them properly.
As demand for single-use face masks continues to increase during the outbreak of COVID-19, there have been reports of indiscriminate disposal of these masks in public areas such as beaches, pavements and even lifts.
Such indiscrimination can lead to contamination of affected surroundings, particularly because used face masks might become sources of infection due to germs like viruses and bacteria that could remain on them up to two to three days in humid conditions.
Ill-disposed masks can also pollute water bodies and harm marine life, akin to single-use plastic bags which can be mistaken for food by aquatic creatures.
In some cases, used masks might be collected for irresponsible recycling and reselling, endangering the health of those who are in need of clean face masks.
Therefore, proper steps should be taken to discard a used face mask safely. Health experts suggest folding it before putting into a plastic bag and throwing it out.
The World Health Organisation recommends removing the mask without touching its front and replacing it after a single use.
Most importantly, hand hygiene must be practised before and after disposal of a used mask.
