Face masks add to marine pollution amid COVID-19 pandemic

The improper disposal of used face masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic has become a threat to the environment.

According to Raffy Tima's report on "24 Oras" on Tuesday, the Philippines is one of the biggest sources of marine plastic pollution, some of which comes from improperly disposed masks.

A group of divers who attempted to clean up a section of the Batangas coast collected over 200 kilos of trash, most of which were used surgical face masks.

Based on a video taken by the divers, the face masks were covered in algae and were stuck among the corals.

Rose Veridiano, a dive instructor, said it was possible fish were eating the used face masks.

"It's not just in the ocean matatapos 'yan eh. 'Pag kinain 'yan ng mga isda at kinain natin ang isda, it will end up in our bodies," she said.

(This will not just end in the oceans. If fish eat the used face masks, and we eat the fish,  it will end up in our bodies.)

"I hope there will be no disease brought about by micro plastic ingested in our bodies," she added.

Earlier, the Ecowaste Coalition warned that surgical masks polluting bodies of water can threaten marine life.

Meanwhile, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said they had advised local governments to strictly enforce Republic Act 9003 or the proper collection and disposal of face masks.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources had previously urged the public to properly dispose of surgical masks and personal protective equipment.

Used masks, gloves, tissues, and other infectious waste should be placed in a separate waste bag. — Ma. Angelica Garcia/DVM, GMA News