Title: Facemask usage and disposal challenges: a survey on safe and user friendly mask for regular practices

Authors: Vijayaraghavan Gopal; Sivamani Sivalingam; Keerthana Sureshkumar; Vinod Kumar Gangadharan

Addresses: Department of Chemical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 602105, India ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 602105, India ' Department of Chemical Engineering, Texas A&M University, Texas, TX 77843, USA ' University of Ottawa, Ontario, ON K1N 6N5, Canada

Abstract: The present study focuses on the extensive use of facemask (FM) and survey on eco-friendly material. The various types of masks including cloth mask, surgical masks, and respirators (class N, P, R) with their leakage, filtration, and penetration characteristics were analysed. This study helps the users to identify the specific applications of different types of mask and their safe disposal. Hence, a survey was conducted as masks preferred, how frequently they were changed, and the challenges faced while wearing the mask-like difficulty in breathing, fogging of lens, etc. The survey was conducted through a quantitative method with a set of questionnaires. It is observed that the majority (40.5%) of the population considers the N95 mask to be relatively safe and effective. The improper disposal of FM causes of diseases, forbids free aeration, clogs the waterways, and severe sewage problems. Therefore, a proper disposal method needs to be followed to reduce environmental pollution.

Keywords: N95 facemasks; COVID-19 pandemic; waste disposal; surveys.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2025.146554

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2025 Vol.37 No.2, pp.172 - 187

Received: 19 Dec 2022
Accepted: 27 Jul 2023
Published online: 04 Jun 2025 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article