Dispose of face masks safely, properly

Dr. Wong Chen Seong of the National Centre for Infectious Diseases of Singapore said that improper discarding of face masks that are soiled or have a “large amount of respiratory secretions” is a potential health hazard. The virus on such masks that are left exposed is said to survive for a few hours to a few days and even for months to years if kept in a cold place.

According to Dr. Wong, one should wash his or her hands before taking off the mask. Remove it not under the chin but rather through the ear loops. Next, fold the mask in half inward so the droplets from the mouth and nose will not be exposed. Fold it again to another half, then to another half until the mask looks like a roll. Finally, wrap it with its ear loops and put inside a piece of tissue before throwing it into a

rubbish bin.

Associate Professor Alex Cook of National University of Singapore also said that those infected with the virus “should be more mindful of where they discard their mask. It would be a good idea to put it in a bag and throw it immediately in the trash rather than leave it sitting exposed.”

Experts say used face masks are getting into waterways, where they reach fresh water and the marine environment. Oceans Asia reported in February 2020 the presence of face masks in waters off Hong Kong. BBC has also reported that in Anilao, Batangas, scuba divers found numerous face masks in sea corals and in other marine areas, posing a danger to fish and other sea animals.

In my morning walks, I have seen face masks on streets, dogs biting into face masks, and children playing with dirty masks. Just recently, a friend forwarded a plea from garbage collectors asking that homes segregate their face masks from other waste.

A study conducted by the University of Phayao, Thailand last year showed that in 49 Asian countries including the Philippines, 16,659.48 tons of medical waste, mostly face masks, were being generated daily during the COVID-19 pandemic. In India, it’s 6,491.49; Iran, 1,191.04; Pakistan 1,099.30; the Philippines, 353.03.

As we continue to grapple with the pandemic, we must do our share to protect the environment. We should also kneel harder in prayer that our garbage collectors, like our other frontliners, may do their job well and will not get sick.

MARIO D. DALANGIN, Kapatirang Bihiya treasurer, marprayer58@yahoo.com.ph