Photos: Discarded COVID-19 face masks litter California beach

As more people wear masks, more PPE has been found as litter around the world

Published: August 23, 2020 18:58 Compiled by Nathaniel Lacsina, Senior Web Editor

1 of 9

A man walks along his bike next to a discarded face mask on a kerb in Venice Beach, California. Due to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, more people wear masks to prevent the spread, more personal protective equipment, or PPE, has been found as litter around the world. Image Credit: AFP

2 of 9

The issue has prompted environmental organizations, including the Environmental Protection Agency, to sound the alarm. Image Credit: AFP

3 of 9

Some local governments, like Suffolk County in New York, have instituted fines for littering involving masks and gloves, and police departments, like the one in Swampscott, Massachusetts, have warned that improperly discarding PPE is a crime. Image Credit: AFP

4 of 9

Conservationists have warned that the coronavirus pandemic could spark a surge in ocean pollution – adding to a glut of plastic waste that already threatens marine life – after finding disposable masks floating like jellyfish and waterlogged latex gloves scattered across seabeds. Image Credit: AFP

5 of 9

A discarded face mask is pictured near an oil pump in Long Beach, California. Image Credit: AFP

6 of 9

A man wearing face mask rides his bike towing a dog next to a discarded face mask in the bike path in Long Beach, California. Image Credit: AFP

7 of 9

A discarded face mask is pictured next to a basketball court in Long Beach, California. Image Credit: AFP

8 of 9

A woman and his son walk by a discarded face mask on the beach in Long Beach, California. Image Credit: AFP

9 of 9

Photos News

Photos: Discarded COVID-19 face masks litter California beach

More From Photos

Photos: Palestinians desperate to flee Rafah as Israelis bear down

Name and shame: How Pro-Israel website is ramping up attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters in US

Photos: Fish and tanks at Jordan's underwater military museum

Rescue operations continue in flooded southern Brazil despite new rain

GULFNEWS SECTIONS

Trending

Photos: Discarded COVID-19 face masks litter California beach

More From Photos

Photos: Palestinians desperate to flee Rafah as Israelis bear down

Name and shame: How Pro-Israel website is ramping up attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters in US

Photos: Fish and tanks at Jordan's underwater military museum

Rescue operations continue in flooded southern Brazil despite new rain

GULFNEWS SECTIONS