The burgeoning covid-19 waste is hurting the environment

Chandigarh: The  Department of Microbiology, Panjab University has initiated a research work on developing  methods for reuse of Personal Protective Equipment(PPE) where decontamination of pathogen and its validation will be done, informed Prof. Prince Sharma, Dean Faculty of Science.
Testing methods like mild heat, UV irradiation and mild chemicals e.g.Hydrogen Peroxide(H2O2) for treating used masks, respirators, face shield, gowns so as to reuse them are being initiated by  Prof Sharma and Dr Naveen Gupta from the department, keeping in mind the heaps of PPE waste accumulated due to Covid 19.
Reuse, recycle and reduce are the mantras for protection of eco-system from environment degrading material. Much of the attention has been given to reuse of PPE and recycling where possible.  Prof Sharma informed that while readying the disposed off PPE for reuse, care has to be taken for (i) proper decontamination of pathogen and its validation (ii) causing no change in filtering and material properties and (ii) causing no deformity e.g. in N95 fit properties. Methods which can meet these requirements for reuse will be welcome. Ordinary methods like washing with detergent or alcohol or sanitizers or bleach are failures,he added.
The disposable surgical(medical) masks and N95 respirators and surgical gowns are made of non-biodegradable polypropylene or polystyrene or polyethylene material. The face shield and goggles are made from polycarbonate/acrylic. Their single use generates tonnes of waste everyday which is becoming an environment hazard, like plastic.
As President and Secretary of Chandigarh Unit of Association of Microbiologists of India, Prof Sharma and DR Gupta, are promoting the reuse of PPE as it is a matter of environment concern and safety, besides being economical. They also recommend the use of DIY multilayered cotton masks by general public as these are washable and reusable.