The coronavirus pandemic has flipped what qualifies as normal. Masks have become the new necessity, along with a hand sanitiser - which are touted as the primary ways to stop the chain of infection. But disposable masks remain an environmental hazard. And now, an environmental group claims that over 1.5 billion disposable face masks will end up in the world’s oceans this year. 
 
This, in turn, will contribute to aquatic pollution and endanger marine life, a report by Hong Kong-based OceansAsia said.

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Citing another report for market research, OceansAsia claimed that over 52 billion masks were made this year to meet the demand triggered by COVID-19 pandemic. A ‘’conservative’’ calculation posits that at least 3 per cent of those masks will end up in the ocean.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/large-droplets-are-the-major-driver-of-covid-transmission-masks-can-stop-them-study-352044" hreflang="en">Large droplets are the major driver of Covid transmission, masks can stop them: Study</a> 
 
“Single-use face masks are made from a variety of meltblown plastics and are difficult to recycle due to both composition and risk of contamination and infection,” the report claims. 
 
It adds that masks end up in oceans when they are disposed of inadequately, and when waste management systems are ill-equipped to deal with mask pollution. 
 
“These masks enter our oceans when they are littered or otherwise improperly discarded, when waste management systems are inadequate or non-existent, or when these systems become overwhelmed due to increased volumes of waste”, the report added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/covid-19-pandemic-can-be-stopped-if-70-per-cent-of-public-wore-masks-consistently-study-345679" hreflang="en">Covid-19 pandemic can be stopped if 70 per cent of public wore masks consistently: Study</a> 
 
Each mask weighs three to four grams on average. Based on this figure, at least 6,800+ tonnes of pollution could hit the oceans. The report estimates that it will take 450 years to “break down” in the ocean.

Microplastic and nano-plastic particles pose a threat to the environment, with many aquatic animals swallowing them by error. In addition, loops that are attached to masks could pose an entanglement risk for animals.

Many animals are killed by masks regularly, with the report referring go many instances whereby fish were found tangled in loops of disposable masks. Earlier, a penguin who was found dead on a beach in Brazil found a mask in its stomach.

In this regard, the report recommends wearing reusable, washable cloth masks to avoid such pollution. 
 
Britain’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been advising people to cut off the loops of masks before discarding them.

The coronavirus pandemic has flipped what qualifies as normal. Masks have become the new necessity, along with a hand sanitiser - which are touted as the primary ways to stop the chain of infection.

The coronavirus pandemic has flipped what qualifies as normal. Masks have become the new necessity, along with a hand sanitiser - which are touted as the primary ways to stop the chain of infection. But disposable masks remain an environmental hazard. And now, an environmental group claims that over 1.5 billion disposable face masks will end up in the world’s oceans this year. This, in turn, will contribute to aquatic pollution and endanger marine life, a report by Hong Kong-based OceansAsia said. Citing another report for market research, OceansAsia claimed that over 52 billion masks were made this year to meet the demand triggered by COVID-19 pandemic. A ‘’conservative’’ calculation posits that at least 3 per cent of those masks will end up in the ocean. Also read: Large droplets are the major driver of Covid transmission, masks can stop them: Study “Single-use face masks are made from a variety of meltblown plastics and are difficult to recycle due to both composition and risk of contamination and infection,” the report claims. It adds that masks end up in oceans when they are disposed of inadequately, and when waste management systems are ill-equipped to deal with mask pollution. “These masks enter our oceans when they are littered or otherwise improperly discarded, when waste management systems are inadequate or non-existent, or when these systems become overwhelmed due to increased volumes of waste”, the report added. Also read: Covid-19 pandemic can be stopped if 70 per cent of public wore masks consistently: Study Each mask weighs three to four grams on average. Based on this figure, at least 6,800+ tonnes of pollution could hit the oceans. The report estimates that it will take 450 years to “break down” in the ocean. Microplastic and nano-plastic particles pose a threat to the environment, with many aquatic animals swallowing them by error. In addition, loops that are attached to masks could pose an entanglement risk for animals. Many animals are killed by masks regularly, with the report referring go many instances whereby fish were found tangled in loops of disposable masks. Earlier, a penguin who was found dead on a beach in Brazil found a mask in its stomach. In this regard, the report recommends wearing reusable, washable cloth masks to avoid such pollution. Britain’s Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has been advising people to cut off the loops of masks before discarding them.

Over 1.5 billion masks will end up in oceans this year: Report

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-coronavirus-deaths-top-800000-as-nations-ramp-up-measures-322460">Also read:&nbsp;World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures</a>

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-covid-tally-crosses-3-million-with-single-day-spike-of-69239-cases-322494">Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases</a>

Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21.

Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said.

The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role.

Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said.

Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. Also read: World coronavirus deaths top 800,000 as nations ramp up measures The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19. The World Health Organization (WHO) said children aged 12 and over should wear masks to help tackle the COVID-19 pandemic under the same conditions as adults, while children between six and 11 should wear them on a risk-based approach. Also read: India's COVID tally crosses 3 million with single-day spike of 69,239 cases Children aged 12 and over should particularly wear a mask when a one-metre distance from others cannot be guaranteed and there is widespread transmission in the area, the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said in a document on the WHO website dated Aug. 21. Whether children between six and 11 should wear masks depends on a number of factors, including the intensity of transmission in the area, the child’s ability to use the mask, access to masks and adequate adult supervision, the two organisations said. The potential impact on learning and psycho-social development, and the interactions the child has with people at high risk of developing serious illness, should also play a role. Children aged five years and under should not be required to wear masks based on the safety and overall interest of the child, the WHO and UNICEF said. Studies suggest older children potentially play a more active role in transmission of the new coronavirus than younger children, the WHO and UNICEF said, adding more data was needed to better understand the role of children and adolescents in the transmission of the virus, which causes COVID-19.

WHO says children aged 12 and over should wear masks like adults

Face masks are an important tool in the fight against coronavirus. This piece of cloth has now become an indispensable part of our lives. Watch report.

The masks, the myths, the controversy: What face masks do against coronavirus?

Masks are in vogue due to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trying-to-shirk-responsibility-smearing-our-anti-virus-effort-china-on-trumps-attack-on-who-299644">coronavirus </a>pandemic and its possession is non-negotiable. Now, a Chinese designer is combining fashion with function.

Zhou Li is making masks embroidered with orchids and camellias. There are also masks with Chinese characters symbolizing good luck.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-drug-can-halt-pandemic-without-vaccine-claim-scientists-299640">Also Read:&nbsp;New drug can halt pandemic 'without vaccine', claim scientists&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;

"The fabric is all customized because the functionality of the masks is very important. You can see it is made of silk both inside and outside. We use 16 mm thick silk in summer and 22 mm thick silk in winter," Zhou li, design director of Shandong Sunbird garment company, said.

Zhou's company produces as many as 600 masks a day, and yet, she complains that she is not being able to meet the demand as people want more.

"In the future, masks will definitely become a normal product, combining fashion with tradition, featuring human health and protection so designers should be more creative," Zhou adds.

Masks are already inseparable parts of our lives since now you need to wear it&nbsp;when you go to the office, you need a mask when you go to a grocery store, masks are a must even when hitting the beach.

An Italian designer posted a photo of a Trikini which is a bikini with a matching mask meant to be a joke but the designer was soon flooded with orders. Experts warned us against not wearing a mask but they never said a thing about not to make them interesting and fun.&nbsp;

Brands across the world now are lapping up the opportunity with Gucci and Louis Vuitton wasting no time in adding their motif to motive. In India, brands are producing masks to compliment Indian wear with Ikat, Khadi, Kalamkari, Jamdani &nbsp;or&nbsp;Sanganeri, just name the print and weave and you have the mask.

There are also masks to match formal wear or your tops even masks with quirky texts but fashion aside, are these masks any good is the big question, and do they compromise with the quality of protection?

Mostly not, it goes unsaid they are no match for the N95 masks but most of these masks come with medically advised three-layered filtration systems. The virus, they say, is here to stay and survival of the fittest is not about letting your fashion game slip away.

Masks are in vogue due to the coronavirus pandemic and its possession is non-negotiable. Now, a Chinese designer is combining fashion with function. Zhou Li is making masks embroidered with orchids and camellias.

Masks are in vogue due to the coronavirus pandemic and its possession is non-negotiable. Now, a Chinese designer is combining fashion with function. Zhou Li is making masks embroidered with orchids and camellias. There are also masks with Chinese characters symbolizing good luck. Also Read: New drug can halt pandemic 'without vaccine', claim scientists "The fabric is all customized because the functionality of the masks is very important. You can see it is made of silk both inside and outside. We use 16 mm thick silk in summer and 22 mm thick silk in winter," Zhou li, design director of Shandong Sunbird garment company, said. Zhou's company produces as many as 600 masks a day, and yet, she complains that she is not being able to meet the demand as people want more. "In the future, masks will definitely become a normal product, combining fashion with tradition, featuring human health and protection so designers should be more creative," Zhou adds. Masks are already inseparable parts of our lives since now you need to wear it when you go to the office, you need a mask when you go to a grocery store, masks are a must even when hitting the beach. An Italian designer posted a photo of a Trikini which is a bikini with a matching mask meant to be a joke but the designer was soon flooded with orders. Experts warned us against not wearing a mask but they never said a thing about not to make them interesting and fun. Brands across the world now are lapping up the opportunity with Gucci and Louis Vuitton wasting no time in adding their motif to motive. In India, brands are producing masks to compliment Indian wear with Ikat, Khadi, Kalamkari, Jamdani or Sanganeri, just name the print and weave and you have the mask. There are also masks to match formal wear or your tops even masks with quirky texts but fashion aside, are these masks any good is the big question, and do they compromise with the quality of protection? Mostly not, it goes unsaid they are no match for the N95 masks but most of these masks come with medically advised three-layered filtration systems. The virus, they say, is here to stay and survival of the fittest is not about letting your fashion game slip away.

Now, designer masks make a fashion statement

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing&nbsp;face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world.

The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an&nbsp;aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks&nbsp;in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE).&nbsp;

Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fast-and-safely-donald-trump-comes-in-support-for-elon-musks-fremont-factory-298366">Also read:&nbsp;'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory</a>

Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April.

When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-approval-rating-dips-currently-trails-behind-biden-polls-298359">Also read:&nbsp;Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls</a>

The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and&nbsp;prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask.

Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals.

Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question.

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Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/kaitlancollins?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kaitlancollins</a>⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. <a href="https://t.co/NQySU4P4NH">pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH</a>
— John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) <a href="https://twitter.com/aravosis/status/1259956800645992448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a&nbsp;lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts.

It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal.&nbsp;

The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back.

American President Donald Trump has not been spotted wearing face mask even once during the past few months when coronavirus has taken over the world. The issue was raised, and the President was trolled and criticized, majorly when he visited the Honeywell plant in Arizona few weeks back. Honeywell plant, which was earlier an aerospace plant in Phoenix, has started producing masks in recent months as the country faced a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Donald Trump, on his visit to examine the operation, was spotted without a mask in the mask-producing factory. Although, he claimed he wore a mask backstage. This raised the question of why does the American President not wear a mask. Also read: 'Fast and safely': Donald Trump comes in support for Elon Musk's Fremont factory Donald Trump is not alone in this. Not wearing a mask seems to be a subtle representation of Trump's administration. Vice President Mike Pence was criticized for not wearing a mask during his tour of the Mayo Clinic in April. When the nationwide lockdown was initiated, a lot of Americans scrambled on the streets to protest against the lockdown, asking for their lives back. Majority of these protestors, who took over the roads and the beaches, were spotted without masks. Also read: Donald Trump's approval rating dips, currently trails behind Biden: Polls The absence of masks from these protests and the official tours hints towards the underlying problem of racial discrimination and prejudices. Wearing a mask was earlier, especially in the US, associated with Asian communities. Asian Americans have faced various racial attacks and slurs for wearing a mask. Later, as the masks became important and compulsory, a lot of cities got complaints of police targeting Black minority groups for 'covering their faces', when they were wearing masks. These men, who were simply following the protocol of social distancing, were profiled as criminals. Trump has not been known to bite his tongue when it comes to blaming China for spreading coronavirus in the world. In a recent press conference, when an Asian-American journalist asked Trump a question, he responded back saying "Don't ask me, ask China" and ended the press conference saying the said reporter asked a "nasty" question. Trump storms out of coronavirus press conference after getting called out for a racist comment to an Asian American reporter. Kudos to CNN’s ⁦@kaitlancollins⁩ who let the reporter follow up with Trump over his racist question. pic.twitter.com/NQySU4P4NH — John Aravosis 🇺🇸🇬🇷🏳️‍🌈 (@aravosis) May 11, 2020 × Another reason why Americans have refused to listen to the health experts, is the show of 'manliness'. It has been observed that a lot of Americans associate wearing masks to weakness. They feel it is a sign of being weak. They like to believe that coronavirus is not an issue and everything in the world is normal. Coronavirus, according to them, is simply a small virus which has been hyped by the media. In order to prove their manliness, Americans feel it is necessary that they do not show any sign of weakness, which would include succumbing to the guidelines of health experts. It is not only men who feel this way. Women, too, have been spotted outdoors without masks. They, too, have joined the protests and feel wearing a mask is a sign of weakness, and that everything is normal. The fact that the US is one of the worst-hit countries by the deadly coronavirus pandemic points at the problematic current trend of Americans not wearing masks. It is always said that the citizens follow their ruler. Sadly, in this case, Donald Trump, has not been able to set the right example.

Donald Trump's refusal to wear masks hints towards racism and masculinity in America

Masks are critical at the moment for health care workers but as you know there is an acute shortage. Watch a report on the types of masks that are most widely used to fight this disease.

Two main types of masks used to fight COVID-19 pandemic | N95 and surgical mask