scholarly journals Evaluating the Environmental Impacts of Personal Protective Equipment Use by the General Population during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Case Study of Lombardy (Northern Italy)

Environments ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Gilberto Binda ◽  
Arianna Bellasi ◽  
Davide Spanu ◽  
Andrea Pozzi ◽  
Domenico Cavallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Test Site ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Lombardy Region ◽  
Life Habits

The diffusion of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) impacted the whole world, changing the life habits of billions of people. These changes caused an abundant increase in personal protective equipment (PPE, e.g., masks and gloves) use by the general population, which can become a concerning issue of plastic pollution. This study aims to evaluate the negative effects of the abundant PPE use following the COVID-19 diffusion using the test site of the Lombardy region, an area highly affected by the pandemic. Population data were retrieved from national databases, and the COVID-19 national guidelines were considered to estimate the total use of PPEs during 2020. Then, the quantity of waste derived from their use was evaluated based on the weight of PPEs. As well, possible scenarios for 2021 were proposed based on 2020 estimations. The results suggested different negative effects of the diffusion of PPEs both on waste management and on the environment: The abundant increase in PPEs-derived waste caused an increase in terms of costs for management, and the potential direct spreading in the environment of these materials (especially masks) poses a serious threat for an increase in microplastics in water bodies. Following this evaluation, a careful choice regarding COVID-19 measures of containment should be performed especially by the general population, avoiding contagion diffusion and reducing the possible environmental impact derived from disposable PPE use.

scholarly journals COVID-19 infections among Healthcare Workers and Transmission within Households

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin L. Schwartz ◽  
Camille Achonu ◽  
Sarah A. Buchan ◽  
Kevin A. Brown ◽  
Brenda Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Testing Bias

AbstractImportanceProtecting healthcare workers (HCWs) from COVID-19 is a priority to maintain a safe and functioning healthcare system. The risk of transmitting COVID-19 to family members is a source of stress for many.ObjectiveTo describe and compare HCW and non-HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, as well as the frequency of COVID-19 among HCWs’ household members.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsUsing reportable disease data at Public Health Ontario which captures all COVID-19 cases in Ontario, Canada, we conducted a population-based cross-sectional study comparing demographic, exposure, and clinical variables between HCWs and non-HCWs with COVID-19 as of 14 May 2020. We calculated rates of infections over time and determined the frequency of within household transmissions using natural language processing based on residential address.Exposures and OutcomesWe contrasted age, gender, comorbidities, clinical presentation (including asymptomatic and presymptomatic), exposure histories including nosocomial transmission, and clinical outcomes between HCWs and non-HCWs with confirmed COVID-19.ResultsThere were 4,230 (17.5%) HCW COVID-19 cases in Ontario, of whom 20.2% were nurses, 2.3% were physicians, and the remaining 77.4% other specialties. HCWs were more likely to be between 30-60 years of age and female. HCWs were more likely to present asymptomatically (8.1% versus 7.0%, p=0.010) or with atypical symptoms (17.8% versus 10.5%, p<0.001). The mortality among HCWs was 0.2% compared to 10.5% of non-HCWs. HCWs commonly had exposures to a confirmed case or outbreak (74.1%), however only 3.1% were confirmed to be nosocomial. The rate of new infections was 5.5 times higher in HCWs than non-HCWs, but mirrored the epidemic curve. We identified 391 (9.8%) probable secondary household transmissions and 143 (3.6%) acquisitions. Children < 19 years comprised 14.6% of secondary cases compared to only 4.2% of the primary cases.Conclusions and RelevanceHCWs represent a disproportionate number of COVID-19 cases in Ontario but with low confirmed numbers of nosocomial transmission. The data support substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of general population cases. Protecting HCWs through appropriate personal protective equipment and physical distancing from colleagues is paramount.Key PointsQuestionWhat are the differences between healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers with COVID-19?FindingsIn this population-based cross-sectional study there were 4,230 healthcare workers comprising 17.5% of COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers were diagnosed with COVID-19 at a rate 5.5 times higher than the general population with 0.8% of all healthcare workers, compared to 0.1% of non-healthcare workers.MeaningHigh healthcare worker COVID-19 burden highlights the importance of physical distancing from colleagues, appropriate personal protective equipment, as well as likely substantial testing bias and under-ascertainment of COVID-19 in the general population.

scholarly journals Faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan risiko keracunan pestisida pada petani

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Darmiati Darmiati
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Total Sample ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
P Value ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Pesticide Poisoning ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Samples

Background: Pesticides are dangerous poisons that can have positive or negative effects on humans and the environment. To prevent pesticide poisoning it is necessary to identify a number of risk factors that have an influence on pesticide poisoning on farmers.Objectives: Research Objective to determine the factors associated with the risk of pesticide poisoning to farmers in Lam Mayang Village, Peukan Bada, Aceh Besar District.Methods: Using descriptive analytic research method with cross sectional study design. Subjects are onion farmers, sample size 30 (total sample). Data collection has been carried out by interview and observation using a questionnaire. Using the Chi square test.Results: Laboratory tests showed 3 blood samples had abnormal levels of cholinesterase and 27 blood samples had normal cholinesterase levels. There are 2 variables related to cholinesterase levels, using personal protective equipment p value 0.030 < 0.05 and knowledge p value 0.041 < 0.05.Conclusion: Counseling to increase farmers' knowledge about pesticides is needed. Using  personal protective equipment and farmers' compliance with using personal protective equipment will reduce the incidence of pesticide poisoning.

scholarly journals The prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic healthcare workers with intensive exposure to COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shue Xiong ◽  
Chunxia Guo ◽  
Ulf Dittmer ◽  
Xin Zheng ◽  
Baoju Wang
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Asymptomatic Infection ◽  
Chest Ct ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Epidemic Area ◽  
Chest Ct Scan

AbstractThe prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers with intensive exposure to COVID-19 is unclear. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in 797 asymptomatic healthcare workers with intensive exposure to COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China. Positive IgG was detected from 35 asymptomatic healthcare workers, and the prevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic healthcare workers was 4.39% (35/797). None of them developed COVID-19 until May 15. 33 of them have performed at least one chest CT scan showing no viral pneumonia features, and 16 have finished at least one-time SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection with negative results. When contacting with the patients, 15 of them dressed with full personal protective equipment (PPE), and 16 worn N95 mask and gown. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation reported that the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was 4.39% in asymptomatic healthcare workers with applied PPE in a high epidemic area, which may provide useful information of estimating asymptomatic infection rate in general population.

scholarly journals An emerging source of plastic pollution: Environmental presence of plastic personal protective equipment (PPE) debris related to COVID-19 in a metropolitan city

2021 ◽  
Vol 269 ◽  
pp. 116160
Author(s):  
Justine Ammendolia ◽  
Jacquelyn Saturno ◽  
Amy L. Brooks ◽  
Shoshanah Jacobs ◽  
Jenna R. Jambeck
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Metropolitan City

scholarly journals EP.WE.126Survey on surgeons’ experience of wearing full PPE in theatres

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aloka Suwanna Danwaththa Liyanage ◽  
Vivien Ngo ◽  
Krishnan Gokul ◽  
Paul Ainsworth
Keyword(s):  
General Surgery ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Personal Experience ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Surgical Safety ◽  
Work Space ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Theatre Staff ◽  
Survey Monkey

Abstract Aims With the invasion of surgical work space by SARS-CoV-2 virus in 2020, the surgical safety concerns have been escalated to a new height. COVID-19 risk has questioned the adequacy of traditional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that has been in practice until now. Full PPE including respirator masks and visors in day today practice by all theatre staff across all surgical disciplines being implemented during and post pandemic time. However this implementation is not without its drawbacks as much as its positive merits. We conducted a survey among surgeons to ascertain their personal experience of wearing full PPE in theatres in day today practice. Methods Survey Monkey questionnaire was sent to surgeons at various levels in their carrier in different disciplines in the region. Results 47 surgeons responded to the questionnaire. 65% of the respondents were from General surgery and 38% of them were consultants. 85% of surgeons considered full PPE uncomfortable. Communication and visibility were main issues. Majority (52%) thinks that full PPE can affect their performance. The length of the procedure makes the negative effects of full PPE worse. More than 50% of respondents were not sure of the beneficial effects of full PPE in theatres. Conclusions Full PPE can have impact on the performance of surgeons. Communication being one of the main issues in wearing full PPE, an alternative strategy needs to be developed to improve communication between individuals in theatres.

Environmental impact assessment of plastic waste during the outbreak of COVID-19 and integrated strategies for its control and mitigation

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shahrah Al Qahtani ◽  
Fatimah Al Wuhayb ◽  
Hacene Manaa ◽  
Adnan Younis ◽  
Shama Sehar
Keyword(s):  
Fossil Fuel ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Environmental Issue ◽  
Plastic Waste ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Plastic Pollution ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Single Use ◽  
Plastic Products

Abstract During the COVID-19 pandemic, many positive shifts have been observed in the ecosystem, with a significant decrease in the greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. On the other hand, there were unavoidable negative shifts due to a surge in demand for plastic products such as food and groceries’ delivery packaging, single-use plastics, medical and personal protective equipment to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Plastic pollution can be considered as a key environmental issue in world due to the huge footprints of plastics on natural ecosystems and public health. Herein, we presented an overview on the rise of plastic pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic. The potential sources of plastic waste during COVID-19 with its negative effects on the environment such as marine ecosystems and the global economics are highlighted. We also suggested some strategies and recommendations to tackle plastic leakages by applying feedstock recycling, sterilization, and with the use of biodegradable plastics that have become a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel plastics. Also, the importance of elevating public awareness and some recommendations to mitigate plastic generated during the pandemic has been addressed as well.

scholarly journals An outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) in a secondary care hospital in Finland, May 2021

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (30) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iivo Hetemäki ◽  
Sohvi Kääriäinen ◽  
Pirjo Alho ◽  
Janne Mikkola ◽  
Carita Savolainen-Kopra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Permanent Staff

An outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant (B.1.617.2) spread from one inpatient in a secondary care hospital to three primary care facilities, resulting in 58 infections including 18 deaths in patients and 45 infections in healthcare workers (HCW). Only one of the deceased cases was fully vaccinated. Transmission occurred despite the use of personal protective equipment by the HCW, as advised in national guidelines, and a high two-dose COVID-19 vaccination coverage among permanent staff members in the COVID-19 cohort ward.

scholarly journals Assessing functional state of the body when wearing a reusable protective suit to minimize risks of contagion among medical personnel

2021 ◽  
pp. 152-161
Author(s):  
A.B. Yudin ◽  
◽  
M.V. Kaltygin ◽  
E.A. Konovalov ◽  
A.A. Vlasov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Functional State ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Thermal State ◽  
Medical Personnel ◽  
The Body ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Cardiorespiratory System ◽  
Psychophysiological State

Personal protective equipment has become the last line of protection for medical personnel during the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection since it allows minimizing risks of biological contagion. Given the existing staffing shortage, medical workers have to spend from 4 to 12 hours a day in the “red zone” where they necessarily wear personal protective equipment. Protective clothing is known to produce negative effects on functional state of the body and personnel’s working capacities. Assessment of up-to-date protective suits will allow developing recommendations on their suitable application bearing in mind a balance between necessary protection, providing favorable ergonomics, and reducing risks of adverse effects on functional state and working capacities. Our research aim was to hygienically assess health risks for medical workers who had to wear reusable protective suits. Our research object was a reusable suit made from polyether fabric with polyurethane membrane coating and antistatic threads. We performed an experiment aimed at evaluating thermal state of the body, psychophysiological state, and responses by the volunteers’ cardiorespiratory system in laboratory conditions during an 80 hour working shift under controlled microclimate. Participants in the experiment were questioned in order to assess suits’ ergonomics. Heat exchange dynamics and amount of changes in thermal physiological parameters caused by wearing a protective suit determined heat contents of volunteers’ bodies that conformed to optimal standard values. Data on psychophysiological and mental state taken in research dynamics didn’t have any statistically significant changes. Gas exchange indicators naturally grew during the “load” phase; however, there were no significant changes detected in any phase in the research. Hygienic assessment of the thermal state, functional state of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and psychophysio-logical indicators confirmed that wearing a protective suit was quite safe and didn’t involve any health risks for volunteers.

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