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Review
. 2023 Jul 25;15(15):3151.
doi: 10.3390/polym15153151.

The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas  1 , Elisa Helena Siegel Moecke  1 , Ana Paula Provin  1 , Ana Regina Aguiar Dutra  1 , Marina Medeiros Machado  2 , Isabel C Gouveia  3
Affiliations
Review

The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Anelise Leal Vieira Cubas et al. Polymers (Basel). .

Abstract

The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.

Keywords: COVID-19; Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); plastics wastes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PPE and its impact on the environment in 2020. Source: Authors, 2022.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Impacts of COVID-19 on the SDGs. Source: adapted from Leal Filho (2020).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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