Littering of Masks Causes Environmental and H&S Hazards

Littering of Masks Causes Environmental and H&S Hazards

Contents of blog

Masks dropped carelessly are a health and safety hazard for safe collection and disposal, pose risks to wildlife and increase plastic use.

The figures are truly staggering, and the issue is only going to get worse if individuals fail to take action.  It’s been calculated that in 2021 in the UK alone, at current rates we will use 19.5 billion disposable face masks.  That’s 52 million per day, 1.6 billion per month.

Given that a proportion of these masks may be contaminated with the Covid-19 virus, this makes the safe disposal of used masks a health and safety hazard.  Whether masks are dropped accidentally or fall out of pockets, they can end up in drains, rivers and ultimately the sea, causing risks to wildlife and pollution from the plastic components.  So much progress has been made in recent years to reduce plastic, and this backwards step seems tragic.

To address the environmental impact, the solution is to use washable reusable masks.  Not only will this reduce volumes of waste disposal, but it will also reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing the masks in the first place.  Extrapolate the daily quantities across the planet, and this is an environmental nightmare in the making, unless we all take steps to stop it.

A mobile phone displaying an illustration of the sign up process for Riskex's Health and Safety eNewsletter.

Want topical Health and Safety updates straight to your inbox?

Stay informed with the latest health and safety updates

Other blogs you might like

Work at his desk with with his head in his hands seemingly upset.
RRoaF #41: UK Workplaces Among the Unhealthiest in Europe - Enhancing Workplace Health and Happiness
A gavel, scales and law books with a title that says "latest hse prosection results"
HSE: Latest Prosecution Results: November 2024
Young woman in an orange sweater looks exhausted at her desk in a busy office, AI
New Survey Findings Reveal Half the UKs Workers Regularly Work More than 48 Hours a Week
an older man wearing a hard hat
How to Create an Age-Friendly Workplace
A mobile phone displaying an illustration of the sign up process for Riskex's Health and Safety eNewsletter.

Want topical Health and Safety updates straight to your inbox?


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: AssessNET Health and Safety Software Solutions | Riskex. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact
Skip to content