When COVID-19 ravaged the globe, disposable face masks became a instant necessity and a sign of protection. They provided a layer of protection against the spread of the virus, it became mandatory in most settings, and were mass-manufactured to address the urgent need. But new research indicates the same masks that protected us throughout the pandemic can now be leaving a toxic trail behind.

A paper by scientists at Coventry University, published in Environmental Pollution, has established that disposable masks are leaching microplastics and toxic chemicals, such as endocrine disruptors, into the environment. This chemical fallout could have long-term impacts on human health, wildlife, and ecosystems globally, scientists warn.

During the height of the pandemic, the world consumed a projected 129 billion single-use face masks monthly. The majority were composed of polypropylene and other plastics and were meant to be used once and then discarded. Without a proven recycling stream, they wound up in landfills, scattered on urban streets, or carried by rain into rivers and oceans.

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These masks have started to degrade over time. Field studies in recent times have reported abandoned masks in soil, on beaches, in water bodies, and even in rural areas far from civilization. As they disintegrate, they do not vanish—they scatter tiny fragments of plastic and chemical additives in the environment.

Dr. Anna Bogush, the lead author of Coventry University's study, refers to this as a pressing problem. "We can no longer overlook the environmental price of single-use masks, particularly when we have learned that the microplastics and chemicals they emit have a detrimental impact on human beings and ecosystems alike," she stated.

Why Testing the Disposed Masks Is Essential?

To find out what happens to masks when they disintegrate, Bogush and co-researcher Dr. Ivan Kourtchev did a simple but insightful experiment. They put fresh, unused masks—surgical masks as well as filtering facepieces like FFP2 and FFP3—into glass flasks of distilled water. The water was filtered after 24 hours at room temperature and then tested using sophisticated laboratory methods.

The findings were alarming. Each mask, whether it was a surgical, cloth or respirator, emitted microplastics. But filtering facepieces, commonly sold as the most effective level of protection amid the pandemic, lost four to six times more particles than basic surgical masks.

Most of them were small—less than 100 micrometers, about the diameter of a human hair—and consisted mainly of polypropylene. Small amounts of polyethylene, polyester, nylon, and PVC were present. These substances do not biodegrade readily, so they linger for decades in the environment.

Invisible Pollutants With Visible Consequences

The worry is not limited to plastics. The study found that masks also emitted chemical additives, such as Bisphenol B (BPB), a chemical that has been found to act like estrogen and interfere with hormonal systems in humans and animals.

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The scientists estimated that at the peak of the pandemic, disposable masks released between 128 and 214 kilograms of BPB into the environment. That might seem insignificant compared to global levels of pollution, but the total effect of endocrine-disrupting chemicals—no matter how low the dose—has been found to influence fertility, development, and hormone function in humans and wildlife.

Microplastics, similarly, are not inert trash. When ingested by fish, birds, or small animals, they can become concentrated further up the food web, finally ending up in human diets. Microplastics have already been detected in seafood, tap water, and even in human lungs and blood.

Why Are These Disposable Masks Now Posing A Risk To Human Health?

The threats from microplastics and endocrine disruptors are multifaceted and as yet not fully appreciable, but the preliminary evidence is alarming.

Hormonal interference: Substances such as BPB have the potential to disrupt reproductive health, fetal growth, and metabolism.

Breathing difficulties: Microplastics inhaled through air can settle in lung tissue, leading to inflammation or other respiratory disorders.

Contamination of the food chain: Plastics carried by rivers, oceans, and land can contaminate crops and animals, with the risk of exposing individuals through food intake.

Scientists emphasize that this is not a standalone problem. Disposable masks are one part of a broader plastic pollution plague, which already encompasses bottles, bags, packaging, and man-made fabrics. But the unprecedented rate at which masks were used during the pandemic generated a shock and intense period of pollution.

Disposable Face Masks Have An Environmental Burden That Lingers

In contrast to biodegradable trash, the plastics found in disposable masks resist natural decay. One mask might take decades to degrade, releasing microplastics and chemicals along the way. For already plastic-stressed ecosystems, masks provide another source of stress.

Wildlife scientists have documented instances of animals getting tangled up in mask straps or eating shredded pieces. Marine ecosystems are especially at risk, since microplastics can settle into sediment and wreak havoc on entire food webs.

The environmental effect isn't quite even, however. Low- and middle-income nations, which frequently do not have effective waste management systems, bear a disproportionate weight of mask pollution.

The authors of the study contend that society must reexamine mask production, usage, and disposal. Single-use masks may have been necessary amid a peak health emergency on a global scale, but to continue using them without sustainable options threatens long-term damage.

The pandemic compelled billions of individuals to shift toward protective behaviors in one night. Masks helped save lives, safeguarded frontline health staff, and contributed significantly in slowing down the transmission of COVID-19. But their environmental legacy serves as a reminder that timely solutions to one crisis can generate new problems unless sustainability is made a part of the equation.

As the world prepares to face the next public health threat, safety gear can't be designed to be as if it stops with the disposal. The decisions we make today regarding manufacturing, using, and throwing away will resonate for decades in the environment and in our bodies.

Disposable masks were probably necessary in 2020, but by 2025, they are also a harsh reminder that each protective act has an unseen price tag. The only question is whether we will take action on this information before the chemical timebomb ticks again.

The debate over what causes autism has reignited once again. A forthcoming report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is expected to link prenatal use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) and vitamin deficiencies to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The report is already drawing sharp criticism from scientists who say the claims lack solid evidence and risk fueling confusion among parents.

At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released its latest data on autism prevalence, reflecting more than two decades of careful monitoring. Together, these two developments highlight the tension between scientific evidence and political narratives—and underscore the urgent need to separate facts from speculation.

Acetaminophen, widely sold under the brand name Tylenol, is one of the most commonly used painkillers in the United States, including during pregnancy. The new report, according to The Wall Street Journal, is expected to suggest that prenatal Tylenol exposure, combined with low folate levels, may increase autism risk. It will also highlight folinic acid (leucovorin), a form of vitamin B9, as a potential therapy for easing autism symptoms.

However, major medical organizations strongly disagree. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine stated that acetaminophen is both safe and necessary during pregnancy, especially for managing fever and pain. Untreated fever in early pregnancy, the group noted, is linked to miscarriage, premature birth, and birth defects, while untreated pain can lead to maternal depression, anxiety, and hypertension.

Drugmaker Kenvue, which markets Tylenol, also emphasized that decades of safety evaluations show no proven causal link between acetaminophen and autism. “We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link,” the company said.

What the Science Actually Shows About Autism-Tylenol Debate?

A few small observational studies have hinted at possible associations between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and later diagnoses of autism or ADHD. But association is not causation, and those studies lacked the statistical power to draw strong conclusions.

The largest and most comprehensive research on the subject, an NIH-funded collaboration between U.S. and Swedish scientists, found no increased risk of autism from prenatal acetaminophen exposure. Similarly, a U.S. District Court dismissed product liability claims linking Tylenol to autism, concluding the science was insufficient to support such allegations.

“Claims like these can spread unnecessary fear among expectant mothers,” said experts from the Autism Science Foundation, which has called for caution. The organization noted that while early research suggests folate levels during pregnancy may play a role in autism risk, the evidence is still preliminary.

Folate, a B vitamin critical for brain and spinal development, has long been a cornerstone of prenatal care. Women are routinely advised to take folic acid supplements to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

The upcoming HHS report suggests that folinic acid (leucovorin), a specific form of folate, could reduce autism symptoms in some children. This idea is based on research showing that some people with autism may have metabolic differences that limit folate transport to the brain. Leucovorin appears to bypass that barrier.

Still, the scientific community remains cautious. The Autism Science Foundation points out that only four small studies have linked low maternal folate to higher autism risk, and evidence that leucovorin can treat autism is scant. “More research is needed before these findings can be considered clinically meaningful,” the group said.

What 25 Years of CDC Data In Autism Shows?

While political battles unfold, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network provides a clearer, evidence-based picture of autism in America. Since 2000, the CDC has tracked prevalence among 8-year-olds, offering the most comprehensive long-term data available.

In April 2024, the CDC reported that 1 in 31 U.S. children had autism by age 8—up from 1 in 150 in the year 2000. Boys remain far more likely to be diagnosed than girls, at a ratio of 3.5 to 1. Here’s how the numbers have shifted:

• 2000 (birth year 1992): 1 in 150
• 2006 (birth year 1998): 1 in 110
• 2012 (birth year 2004): 1 in 69
• 2018 (birth year 2010): 1 in 44
• 2022 (birth year 2014): 1 in 31

These numbers suggest not only a rise in autism prevalence but also improvements in diagnosis and awareness. Experts caution that higher rates don’t necessarily mean autism itself is more common but that detection has improved, especially among girls and children of color who were historically underdiagnosed.

Putting Autism in Context Before The Report Release

Compared to other pediatric conditions, autism is far more prevalent than childhood cancer, which affects about 1 in 285 children before age 20. However, autism remains less common than chronic pediatric diseases like asthma, diabetes, or obesity, which impact nearly 30% of U.S. children.

What makes autism unique is that it is not a disease with a single cause or cure but a neurodevelopmental condition shaped by complex interactions of genetics, environment, and biology. Most experts agree there is no single “cause” of autism—contrary to RFK Jr.’s promise to “get to the bottom” of it.

Health experts warn that when public officials spotlight controversial or unproven theories, they risk undermining trust in established medical guidance. For pregnant women, the danger is clear- avoiding safe, recommended treatments like acetaminophen or folate supplements could put both mother and baby at risk.

Dr. Sarah Lister, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist not involved in the HHS report, summarized the concern: “We should be empowering women with facts, not fear. Linking autism to Tylenol without strong evidence can harm maternal health more than it helps.”

As the debate over Tylenol, folate, and autism unfolds, one fact stands unchallenged: autism diagnoses are rising, and the US now has a quarter century of data to prove it. But science points away from simple answers. Autism is a complex condition with many contributing factors—none of which can be reduced to a single pill or vitamin.

The challenge going forward is not just understanding autism but ensuring that families receive evidence-based care, free from politics and misinformation.

September is globally recognized as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, with September 9 dedicated to International FASD Awareness Day. This year, 2025, carries the powerful theme “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, a reminder that preventing FASD and supporting those affected is a collective responsibility.

What is FASD and Why It Matters

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes the lifelong effects on the brain and body of a baby exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. It can lead to physical, behavioral, and cognitive challenges that persist throughout life. The most severe form, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by distinct facial features, slow growth, learning difficulties, and developmental delays.

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FASD Theme 2025

This year’s theme, “Everyone Plays a Part: Take Action!”, is a call to collective responsibility. It highlights that FASD prevention is not just about individual choices but also about community support, healthcare education, and creating safe environments for expectant mothers.

Health professionals are encouraged to screen for alcohol use early in pregnancy, families are urged to provide support to those struggling with alcohol dependence, and policymakers are called upon to ensure inclusive systems for people with FASD. The message is simple yet powerful: prevention and support require all of us.

Experts emphasize that there is no known safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy. Alcohol passes through the placenta to the developing baby, where it can cause permanent brain damage and affect organ development.

Also Read: What Role Do Genes Play In Alcoholism?

Symptoms vary, some children may face intellectual disabilities, behavioral issues, or difficulty with learning and social interaction. Others may experience challenges with coordination, speech, and growth.

The disorder is entirely preventable by avoiding alcohol during pregnancy. However, for those already living with FASD, early diagnosis and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How FASD Awareness Day Began

International FASD Awareness Day was first observed on September 9, 1999, thanks to the efforts of parents and advocates like Bonnie Buxton, Brian Philcox, and Teresa Kellerman. They chose 9/9/99 to symbolize the nine months of pregnancy, a clear reminder that avoiding alcohol throughout those months can prevent FASD entirely.

What started as a grassroots effort in Canada and the United States has grown into a global movement. Communities worldwide now hold events, educational workshops, and social media campaigns each September to raise awareness, combat stigma, and advocate for better support systems.

Why This Day Matters

FASD Awareness Day is more than an observance, it is a global reminder that thousands of children are still born each year with preventable conditions linked to alcohol exposure. Beyond prevention, the day pushes for better understanding and empathy toward individuals already living with FASD. Stigma often keeps families from seeking help, and awareness campaigns aim to break that silence.

As the world observes FASD Day 2025, the message is clear: by spreading awareness, encouraging alcohol-free pregnancies, and supporting those affected, society can take a step closer to ending preventable harm and building inclusive communities where individuals with FASD can thrive.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report could be declaring the kissing bug disease or the Chagas disease an endemic in the United States.

But, before we jump into the report, let us understand the difference between an outbreak, endemic, epidemic, and pandemic.

Outbreak: As per the National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease, Canada, an outbreak is limited to a specific area, for instance a school, a department store, etc. and it is within a certain time period.

Endemic: The CDC notes that the amount of a particular disease that is usually present in a community is called an endemic. It is also called a baseline. The National Collaborating Centers for Infectious Disease says that an endemic is when it is always present in a geographical area or a population group.

Epidemic: The CDC notes that an outbreak becomes are epidemic when there is a sudden increase in the number of cases of a disease above what is normally expected in that population in a specific area. It can also spread to a larger area, for instance, within the country.

Pandemic: The CDC notes that when an epidemic spreads over several countries and continents, affecting many people, it is called a pandemic.

What Does The CDC Report Say?

In a report published last month in the September issue of the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal, researchers highlighted that the disease is already considered endemic in 21 countries across the Americas. They also emphasized that growing evidence of the parasite’s presence in the United States is beginning to challenge the long-standing classification of the country as “non-endemic.”

The report stated that autochthonous, meaning locally acquired, human cases have been confirmed in eight U.S. states, with Texas reporting the highest number of cases. “Labeling the United States as non-Chagas disease-endemic perpetuates low awareness and underreporting,” the authors warned, further pointing out that the insect responsible for transmitting the disease has been detected in 32 states.

In addition to Texas, the other states where human cases have been identified include California, Arizona, Tennessee, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, and Arkansas.

The report points out that available data is still “inadequate” to conclusively demonstrate whether the insects are expanding in either their geographic range or overall numbers. However, it also highlights that these bugs are being “increasingly recognized,” largely because of their frequent encounters with humans and the growing focus of scientific research.

“Invasion into homes, human bites, subsequent allergic reactions or exposure to T. cruzi parasites, and the rising number of canine diagnoses have all contributed to greater public awareness,” the report stated.

Read: What You Need To Know About Chagas Disease, Is it Contagious?

What Is The Kissing Bug Disease or The Chagas Disease?

Globally, around 8 million people are estimated to be living with Chagas disease, and about 280,000 cases are believed to exist in the United States, many of them undiagnosed.

Transmission occurs when the bug bites and then leaves parasite-containing droppings near the bite site. If a person accidentally rubs or scratches the area, or if the droppings come into contact with the eyes, mouth, or a cut in the skin, the parasite can enter the body and cause infection.