Medical protective clothing is essential not only to protect medical professionals from pathogens, but also to protect patients from possible contamination. Surgical masks, respirators, gowns, aprons, gloves, and visors have become indispensable in the fight against the COVID-19 virus, yet this increase in consumption and disposal of single-use products is negatively impacting our environment and health.
During the pandemic, the UK healthcare sector alone has seen demand for facemasks grow by 4,700% - up to 85-90 million per month. Similarly, the consumption of single-use aprons and gloves has grown 550% and 200% respectively. This trend is not unique to the UK and the skyrocketing growth of disposable medical protective clothing is increasingly problematic.
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Author: Andreea Zotinca, Circular Healthcare Project Officer – HCWH Europe