Environmental assessment and eco-design of a surgical face mask
Author(s)
Date Issued
2022
Type
conferenceObject
Volume
105
Start Page
61
End Page
66
Journal or Series
Abstract
After more than one year form the first cases of Sars-Cov-2 infection, it is now clear that the most effective mean to prevent the diffusion of the pandemic is the use of face masks, that however are based on fossil materials and could potentially generate an environmental problem. This study wants to quantitatively investigate the environmental impacts related to the life cycle of a single use surgical mask through the use of the Life Cycle Assessment methodology. Results highlight significant impacts due to the material supply and transport, as well as product packaging and distribution. The study outcomes can be also useful to set potential eco-design strategies for the product environmental improvement.