The amount of medical waste generated from COVID-19 since the outbreak is estimated to be 2.6 million tons/day worldwide and is still growing. Such an amount of medical waste can be also attributable to global mask mandates which are still in force despite the global vaccine rollout. As the Wuhan spike protein-based vaccines have waning efficacy against transmission of new variants, medical mask mandates are still applicable, but there is a need to discuss more focused approach when it comes to medical masks recommendations/mandates in a incidence-dependent manner, meaning that higher the new COVID-19 cases stronger should be the recommendations/mandates, and vice versa, in case of significantly lower incidence of new COVID-19 cases, recommendations/mandates should be relieved. There is also a need for the development of new technologies in medical masks manufacturing towards easily recyclable and biodegradable protective medical equipment, if possible, as well as the need for the improvement of existing technologies for medical waste sanitation. Open scientific debate on the ecological sustainability in the context of COVID-19 pandemic is mandatory.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/359718833_COVID-19_pandemic-associated_medical_waste_emerging_ecological_catastrophe_and_the_need_for_more_rational_approach_to_medical_masks_usage
Dear Domina Petric,
The solution to this problem is:
1. Manufacturing of reusable masks. In principle, face masks that have been sold as disposable since the outset of the pandemic can be reused after appropriate washing because they are made of plastic.
2. Sorting of medical waste and recycling of plastics from protective masks.
3. Conducting social campaigns in various information media educating the society about the need to apply the basic principles of personal culture, ethical behavior and care for the condition of the natural environment, i.e. about placing used masks in appropriate containers for sorted waste.
4. Producing protective masks from biodegradable materials.
5. More frequent social campaigns to collect waste lying on beaches and other public places, etc., such as "Cleaning up the world".
Best regards,
Dariusz
Have a look at this useful RG link for insights.
Article Potential biodegradable face mask to counter environmental i...
Also see the link below.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721012882
Mas(s/k)-Pollution in mankind:
https://www.sciencedirect.com//science/article/pii/S0048969722020009#!
