Study finds Bisphenol A (BPA), an estrogen-like endocrine disruptor, in disposable face masks in Hong Kong. Concentrations reached up to 2 μg/mask, likely from additives like flame retardants. With a dermal absorption coefficient of 0.59, BPA can be readily absorbed through skin. Eight of 85 samples could exceed the EU’s tolerable daily intake. BPA also dissolves in landfill leachate in under 70 days, raising health and environmental concerns.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11837208/