“The Swansea University team found heavy metals and plastic fibres were released when throw-away masks were submerged in water…
Back in November last year, the researchers were only originally interested in the plastic waste impact on our environment. But as they tested more and more masks, they uncovered more chemicals…
The team found traces of lead, antimony and cadmium - all heavy metals which can be toxic in low doses…
He [Dr Geraint Sullivan] said the heavy metals found were also ‘bio-accumulative’, which means they are not removed from aquatic systems and they build up over time.
Every mask tested leached chemicals when submerged.”
© 2023 BBC. Source – BBC News
Can I share things from the BBC?
https://www.bbc.co.uk/usingthebbc/terms/can-i-share-things-from-the-bbc/
Yes, but there are a few rules (see below).
Things you can share, AKA “shareables” normally have one or more of these buttons next to them:
- Share
- Embed
- Social media buttons for posting to Facebook, Twitter and so on.
Use the latest version. Don’t remove any embedded tagging or tracking. And make sure the content is displayed accurately.