Waste from the COVID-19 pandemic is polluting waterways and oceans around the globe. Surgical masks, which have a lifespan of 450 years, are washing up on beaches everywhere from France to Japan.
The United Nations predicts that in 2020, mask sales will total $166 billion, compared to 2019's $800 million. Historical data suggests that 75% of disposable masks will end up in either the ocean or a landfill after being used and thrown out.
In June, environmental researchers at the Tara Ocean Foundation examined 10 European rivers and found masks and gloves in all 10. In Japan, Umisakura, an organization that cleans up beaches in Kanagawa Prefecture, reported increased mask pollution. Prior to the pandemic, they'd find approximately one mask a day, but now find more than 10 during each half-hour-long cleanup period.