Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has posed a huge global health threat since December 2019. Wearing face masks is known as an effective measure for controlling the wide spread of COVID-19 and its variants. But on the other hand, face masks could be a potential source of organophosphate esters (OPEs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs) as they are extensively added in masks. However, knowledge associated with the occurrence as well as inhalation risks of OPEs and PAEs in masks is limited. In this study, OPEs and PAEs were determined in different types of mask samples collected from the local market. OPEs and PAEs were detected in mask samples ranging from 36.7 to 855 ng/g, and from 251 to 3830 ng/g, respectively. Relatively lower OPEs and PAEs concentrations were observed in disposable mask for toddlers. Simulated inhalation experiment indicated that the mass loss of OPEs and PAEs was 136 and 3910 ng/mask in disposable masks, 71.9 and 763 ng/mask in disposable mask for toddlers, 924 and 1020 ng/mask in N95 mask after 12 h, respectively. Significantly negative correlations were exhibited between the decrement of OPEs in masks and the increment of OPEs in corresponding polyurethane foams (PUFs) during the course, elucidating OPEs released from masks could be well captured by PUFs. With regard to the variation over time, predominant OPE and PAE analogues showed semblable release and absorption tendency in mask and corresponding PUF. Inhalation exposure risk of OPEs and PAEs was estimated based on the increment of pollutants in PUF. The estimated daily intakes (EDIs), hazard index (HI) and carcinogenic risk (CR) were also calculated and they were within the threshold levels. This study provides the evidence of OPEs and PAEs releasing from the face masks during wearing and unveiled a potential source of OPEs and PAEs exposure to humans.