Abstract
Background: Only limited information is available on the disposal methods for spectacle frames, and their interaction with the environment once such disposal occurs.Aim: This study investigates the disposal of spectacle frames and provides a preliminary report on their biodegradability and biocompatibility.Setting: The study was conducted at a university in the south eastern part of South Africa.Methods: The study was conducted in two parts: Part A consisted of an explorative, quantitative design using a closed-ended questionnaire investigating the current disposal methods of 375 spectacle wearers for their old spectacles; and Part B consisted of a descriptive, cross-sectional design involving chemical analyses of metal and plastic spectacle frames.Results: Almost 55% of the participants reported either keeping or reusing their spectacles. Only 5% had used a recycling method when disposing their previous spectacles. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy results showed that metal frames do not degrade easily unless they are oxidised in an acidic environment. Lead was detected in two metal frames. Results of thermogravimetric analysis revealed that plastic frames only begin to degrade at temperatures over 250 °C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry results suggest that plastic frames, except three dimensional (3-D) polarisers, are biocompatible as they are stable, not chlorinated and do not possess heavy metals. The results suggested that eco-friendly frames may be the most biocompatible.Conclusion: It appears that few spectacle wearers use recycling for disposing their frames. Current metal and plastic spectacle frames appear to have poor biodegradability but good biocompatibility.
Highlights
The materials used in a day-to-day living account for 58% – 70% of the total waste generated, with most of it finding its way to landfills.[1]
Non-biodegradable materials such as plastic and those that are non-biocompatible are hazardous to the environment. The decomposition of these materials can result in the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,[1] often because of inappropriate disposal practices, causing climate change.[4]
The corrective lenses are held in place by spectacle frames, which are often made of plastic and/or metal resulting in them constituting various chemical compounds
Summary
The materials used in a day-to-day living account for 58% – 70% of the total waste generated, with most of it finding its way to landfills.[1]. The decomposition of these materials can result in the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere,[1] often because of inappropriate disposal practices, causing climate change.[4]. Appropriate waste management is expected to positively impact on climate change by reducing landfill methane emissions amongst other things,[5] proving that the decomposition behaviour of everyday materials is vital. The corrective lenses are held in place by spectacle frames, which are often made of plastic and/or metal resulting in them constituting various chemical compounds. Limited information is available on the disposal methods for spectacle frames, and their interaction with the environment once such disposal occurs
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