Abstract
The global health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been the subject of thousands of studies published in the scientific literature, particularly studies on vaccines and the biology of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. But an area of study that was initially not considered of particular priority was the long-term economic and environmental consequences of the use and disposal of medical textiles, which include personal protective equipment (PPE). We have conducted a literature review of recent studies describing the environmental and economic impacts of medical textile disposal and simultaneously searched for proposed solutions to mitigate the environmental impact. Reports describe substantial problems in multiple countries, overwhelming existing waste disposal facilities in the short term and posing increased secondary contagion from improper waste management. Other less immediately evident consequences are the biological and health impacts, mostly on marine environments and fresh waters. Proposed solutions include additional research in advanced and environmentally friendly materials, novel manufacturing processes for sustainable medical textiles, improved waste management practices, and faster implementation of medical textile recycling in circular economy models. In conclusion, the pandemic appears to have hastened the implementation of policies, programs, and projects directed towards a more sustainable healthcare and a reduction and/or reutilization of medical textile waste.
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References
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Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the support of the Wilson College of Textiles for this research project and special thanks to Dean David Hinks.
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This work was supported by funding from the Wilson College of Textiles at North Carolina State University.
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PM contributed to project administration and supervision and also worked on funding acquisition, investigation, writing, reviewing, and editing. KM worked on investigation, writing, reviewing, and editing. KH worked on investigation, writing, reviewing, and editing. RK worked on investigation, writing, reviewing, and editing. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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McCauley, P., Mathur, K., Henriques-Thompson, K. et al. The Impacts of Medical Textile Waste After COVID-19: Reviewing Challenges and Potential Solutions. Mater Circ Econ 5, 11 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42824-023-00082-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42824-023-00082-w