Report: Masks, Gloves A Significant Source Of Beach Pollution

By CBSLA Staff, CBS Los Angeles

SAN CLEMENTE (CBSLA) — Single-use masks and gloves have become a significant source of beach pollution in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Surfrider Foundation’s Beach Cleanup annual report.

From June to December of last year, more than 2,270 single-use masks and gloves were removed from beaches and waterways during the San Clemente-based foundation’s cleanup program. Nearly 90% of all items removed from U.S. beaches are plastic, according to the report.

“Plastic pollution is a global crisis,” Jennifer Hart, the foundation’s plastic pollution coordinator, said.

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