$166 Billion were estimated to be spent on disposable masks in 2020. Up from $800 million in 2019. Approximately 75% of used masks and other pandemic-related waste will end up in landfills, or floating in the seas.

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Aside from the environmental damage, the financial cost in areas such as tourism and fisheries is estimated by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) at around $40 Billion.

Source: un.org