52 billion disposable face masks were produced in 2020 (this includes N95 respirators and surgical masks)
It’s estimated that 1.6 billion of these masks ended up in our oceans
This equates to roughly 5,500 tons of plastic pollution
Despite their single-use nature, disposable masks are expected to take more than four centuries to decompose while in the ocean. Here’s how this compares to other items we use on a day-to-day basis.
Years Needed to Biodegrade for items
450 Disposable masks
450 Disposable diaper
450 Plastic bottle
200 Aluminum can
50 Styrofoam cup
20 Plastic grocery bag
10 Cigarette butt
