Reshaping Intelligent Business and Industry

34Smart Mask Disinfection System (SMDS)

N. SWETHA SRIDEVI, N. C. PREETHIKA, T. SUBIKSHA

¹ Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sathyamangalam, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India

Email: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]

Abstract

The emergence of the human coronavirus and its potential for harm increased the number of face masks thrown away in the environment, thereby requiring urgent measures to prevent the spread of disease and control the pandemic. The germs/viruses/bacteria carried by used face masks are not only a danger to our own health, but also to the environment. They are a danger to our waterways, where they disintegrate into even smaller pieces of microplastic. When plastic breaks down, the release of chemicals also leads to ocean acidification. Sea creatures are affected when masks are mixed into the sea, causing water pollution. Marine animals, birds and other wildlife could easily choke and die when they mistakenly eat personal protective equipment (PPE) for food. When people touch their face mask during disposal, microorganisms like virus/bacteria in the mask easily spread through their hands. Therefore, immediate disinfection is needed. Mask litter has polluted public spaces, forests, sidewalks, and city streets. According to reports, wildlife has been caught in the elastic straps found on most plastic and disposable face masks. Irresponsibly throwing ...