# Personal Protective Equipment as a Potential Source of
###### Abstract  
Personal protective equipment (PPE)--especially face masks, face shields, and gloves--was used to minimize the spread of COVID-19. PPE is primarily made of plastic materials with various plastic additives, such as phthalate plasticizers. Phthalates are linked with various adverse health effects. Therefore, this study investigated the amounts of six commonly used phthalates (DBP, BBP, DEHP, DnOP, DINP, and DIDP) in different types of PPE samples collected during the pandemic. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect six selected phthalates and other organic chemicals in PPE samples. The quality of data was ensured using certified reference materials, internal standards, procedural blanks, and replicate analyses. The total phthalate content found in face shields and face masks was in the range of 0.29 \(\mathrm{\SIUnitSymbolMicro g}/\mathrm{g}\) to 942.60 \(\mathrm{\SIUnitSymbolMicro g}/\mathrm{g}\), with DBP, DEHP, and DINP detected most frequently. A health risk assessment concluded that the determined levels were not expected to pose adverse health effects on the wearer. However, the findings of this study suggest that chronic daily intakes of phthalates from two vinyl glove samples with phthalate content exceeding 11% and 14% (\(w/w\)) of the glove's weight may potentially increase the risk of cancer in humans. In addition to the target phthalates, flame retardants and other plasticizers (e.g., organophosphates and dioctyl isophthalate) were tentatively identified in various PPE samples. COVID-19; face masks; GC-MS; gloves; personal protective equipment; phthalates +
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to released microplastics and additives over extended durations, as the PPE undergoes different processes [9]. Most PPE used during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disposable procedure masks, N95 masks, reusable cloth masks, and face shields, is produced from plastic polymers such as polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyethylene, or polyester [10]. Air-filtering masks are used to protect wearers by preventing the transmission of respiratory infections caused by inhaling airborne pathogens during the pandemic and by preventing the risks of inhaling particulate matter from polluted air [11]. Two main types of air-filtering masks commonly used during the COVID-19 pandemic were procedure (or surgical) masks and N95 respirators. A procedure (or surgical) mask is designed to block large drops, sprays, or spatter containing pathogens from entering the respiratory system through the mouth and nose. However, N95 respirators can provide a more effective shield against airborne diseases by protecting against >95% of the particles [12]. Face shields were also among the types of PPE recommended for use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Face shields are manufactured in various forms, but all of them provide a transparent, impact- and moisture-resistant plastic barrier that covers the face [13; 14]. Most face shields include three main components: a visor, frame, and suspension system. These parts are commonly made of polymers such as polycarbonate, propionate, acetate, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate glycol [15]. Face shields are used to protect the facial area and associated mucous membranes (eyes, nose, and mouth) from splashes, spraying, and spattering of body fluids [15]. Disposable glove use was recommended by many health authorities around the world during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly for frontline workers [16]. Disposable gloves were also required for food handling to maintain food safety according to regulatory food hygiene requirements during the pandemic and to protect food industry workers from potential exposures [17; 18]. Usually, disposable plastic gloves are made of polyethylene, latex (natural rubber), vinyl, or nitrile plastics [18; 19]. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the global production of disposable gloves was estimated to reach 420 billion pieces in 2021 [18].