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Comparative Analysis of Face Mask Usage and Environmental Impact in Asian Cities during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Chang Liu

    (School of Economics and Management, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
    Sustainable Consumption and Production Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama 240-0115, Japan)

  • Chen Liu

    (Sustainable Consumption and Production Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama 240-0115, Japan)

  • Yasuhiko Hotta

    (Sustainable Consumption and Production Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama 240-0115, Japan)

  • Dwayne Appleby

    (Sustainable Consumption and Production Area, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies, 2108-11 Kamiyamaguchi, Hayama 240-0115, Japan)

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in face mask demand, resulting in increased face mask waste and environmental impacts. This study investigates mask usage patterns and the environmental impacts of single-use and cloth masks across three phases: pre-COVID-19, COVID-19, and the new normal. A comprehensive survey conducted in five cities across four Asian countries reveals a surge in mask usage during COVID-19 (6.81 pieces/week), followed by a decline in the new normal (3.73 pieces/week), though usage remained higher than pre-COVID-19 levels (1.46 pieces/week). For single-use masks, age significantly impacts usage in all cities, while gender and education level affect usage in Shanghai, Harbin, and Depok. Household income influences mask use in Shanghai and Harbin. For cloth masks, education level significantly correlates with usage in most cities. The study highlights the significant environmental impact of mask use, particularly in densely populated urban areas. Switching to cloth masks for one year could reduce carbon footprints by 44.27–81.9 million kgCO 2 eq, decrease solid waste by 34.81–52.41 million kg, and reduce microplastic emissions by 6.50 to 15.56 trillion particles in the first 24 h after disposal. However, this transition may increase water usage by 1.73–1.86 billion m 3 H 2 Oeq. The study also offers policy recommendations on mask usage and disposal.

Suggested Citation

  • Chang Liu & Chen Liu & Yasuhiko Hotta & Dwayne Appleby, 2024. "Comparative Analysis of Face Mask Usage and Environmental Impact in Asian Cities during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(15), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:15:p:6683-:d:1449965
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Pan, Jing Yu & Liu, Dahai, 2022. "Mask-wearing intentions on airplanes during COVID-19 – Application of theory of planned behavior model," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 32-44.
    2. Chen Liu & Chang Liu, 2023. "Exploring Plastic-Management Policy in China: Status, Challenges and Policy Insights," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-22, June.
    3. Chang Liu & Jie Shang & Chen Liu & Hui Wang & Shuya Wang, 2023. "Policy Recommendations for Reducing Food Waste: An Analysis Based on a Survey of Urban and Rural Household Food Waste in Harbin, China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-31, July.
    4. Marcell Mariano Corrêa Maceno & Samuel João & Danielle Raphaela Voltolini & Izabel Cristina Zattar, 2023. "Life cycle assessment and circularity evaluation of the non-medical masks in the Covid-19 pandemic: a Brazilian case," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 25(8), pages 8055-8082, August.
    5. Kennedy Ndue & Melese Mulu Baylie & Pál Goda, 2023. "Determinants of Rural Households’ Intensity of Flood Adaptation in the Fogera Rice Plain, Ethiopia: Evidence from Generalised Poisson Regression," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-19, July.
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