COVID-19 discarded disposable gloves as a source and a vector of pollutants in the environment

Jędruchniewicz, Katarzyna; Ok, Yong Sik; Oleszczuk, Patryk

doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.125938

Cited by 59 publications

(33 citation statements)

References 185 publications

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“…The second is that in food service setting and other public service settings gloves are recommended under certain scenarios [38]. The final reason has been the increase in the use of nitrile gloves in the general population during, and likely in response to, the COVID-19 pandemic [39].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Coronaviruses Do Not Transfer Efficiently between Surfaces in the Absence of Organic Materials

Dallner

Harlow

Nasheri

2021

Viruses

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Human coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2, are known to spread mainly via close contact and respiratory droplets. However, other potential means of transmission may be present. Fomite-mediated transmission occurs when viruses are deposited onto a surface and then transfer to a subsequent individual. Surfaces can become contaminated directly from respiratory droplets or from a contaminated hand. Due to mask mandates in many countries around the world, the former is less likely. Hands can become contaminated if respiratory droplets are deposited on them (i.e., coughing or sneezing) or through contact with fecal material where human coronaviruses (HCoVs) can be shed. The focus of this paper is on whether human coronaviruses can transfer efficiently from contaminated hands to food or food contact surfaces. The surfaces chosen were: stainless steel, plastic, cucumber and apple. Transfer was first tested with cellular maintenance media and three viruses: two human coronaviruses, 229E and OC43, and murine norovirus-1, as a surrogate for human norovirus. There was no transfer for either of the human coronaviruses to any of the surfaces. Murine norovirus-1 did transfer to stainless steel, cucumber and apple, with transfer efficiencies of 9.19%, 5.95% and 0.329%, respectively. Human coronavirus OC43 transfer was then tested in the presence of fecal material, and transfer was observed for stainless steel (0.52%), cucumber (19.82%) and apple (15.51%) but not plastic. This study indicates that human coronaviruses do not transfer effectively from contaminated hands to contact surfaces without the presence of fecal material.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Human Coronaviruses Do Not Transfer Efficiently between Surfaces in the Absence of Organic Materials

Dallner

Harlow

Nasheri

2021

Viruses

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“…Similarly, the improper disposal of face masks can spread the disease and negatively affect the environment [ 10 , 11 ]. The adsorption of organic and inorganic nutrients on plastic waste, especially in water, can provide a supportive environment for pathogenic species like bacteria and contaminants to propagate further [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recycling of Waste Facial Masks as a Construction Material, a Step towards Sustainability

et al. 2022

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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a sudden surge in the production and utilization of disposable, single-use facial masks has been observed. Delinquency in proposal disposal of used facial masks endangers the environment with a new form of non-biodegradable plastic waste that will take hundreds of years to break down. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the resourceful recycling of such waste in an environmentally friendly way. This study presents an efficient solution by using waste masks in fibered or crushed form to produce environmentally friendly and affordable green concrete. This investigation assessed the mechanical and durability properties of waste masks-incorporated concrete. A total of six mixes were prepared for standardized tests to determine compressive strength, split cylinder tensile strength and rapid chloride penetration test (RCPT), and freeze-thaw resistance. The percentage of mask fibers used were 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% of concrete by volume, while crushed masks were used at 0.5% only. The mask waste in both forms was found suitable to be used in concrete. One percent of waste mask fibers was found as an optimum value to increase compressive and tensile strength, reduce chloride permeability, and increase freeze-thaw resistance. Besides this, 0.5% crushed mask fiber also performed well, especially for producing less permeable and highly durable concrete. It is thus corroborated that waste masks that increase pollution worldwide can be utilized sustainably to help build green buildings. By reutilizing waste masks to produce improved concrete with better strengths and higher durability, circular economy and sustainability are achieved, along with efficient waste management.

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“…Similar concerns have arisen with environmental harm for disposable protective gloves (e.g. nitrile, latex, and foil gloves), as they might be a source of plastic additives, such as plasticizers and emulsifiers, and heavy metals [ 27 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health

De-la-Torre

Pizarro-Ortega

Dioses-Salinas

et al. 2021

Current Opinion in Toxicology

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The COVID-19 pandemic led to a sudden global increase in the production, consumption, and mismanagement of personal protective equipment (PPE). As plastic-based PPE such as disposable face masks and gloves have become widely used, human exposure to PPE-derived pollutants may occur through indirect and direct pathways. This review explores the potential health impacts related to plastic-based PPE through these pathways. Face masks release microplastics, which are directly inhaled during use or transported through the environment. The latter can adsorb chemical contaminants and harbor pathogenic microbiota, and once consumed by organisms, they can translocate to multiple organs upon intake, potentially causing detrimental and cytotoxic effects. However, more research is required to have a comprehensive overview of the human health effects.

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COVID-19 discarded disposable gloves as a source and a vector of pollutants in the environment

Cited by 59 publications

References 185 publications

Human Coronaviruses Do Not Transfer Efficiently between Surfaces in the Absence of Organic Materials

Human Coronaviruses Do Not Transfer Efficiently between Surfaces in the Absence of Organic Materials

Recycling of Waste Facial Masks as a Construction Material, a Step towards Sustainability

Investigating the current status of COVID-19 related plastics and their potential impact on human health

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