Personal Protective Equipment Disposal Research Articles

Determining the nurses' perception regarding the effectiveness of COVID-19 protocols implemented in Eastern Province: Saudi Arabia.

The global impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been profound, affecting public health, the global economy, and overall human life. Past experiences with global pandemics underscored the significance of understanding the perception of HCWs and hospital staff in developing and implementing preventive measures. The World Health Organization (WHO) provided protocols to manage the spread of COVID-19 and assist healthcare workers and health systems globally in maintaining high-quality health services. This study aims to assess nurses' perception, awareness, and compliance regarding the implementation of COVID-19 protocols and explore factors influencing their perception. A quantitative cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted, distributing a constructed survey among nurses in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Out of 141 participants, most adhered to protocols such as hand sanitization, social distancing, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) usage. The predominant age group among respondents was 31 to 40 years (n = 71, 50%). A significant portion of participants reported holding a bachelor's degree (n = 86, 61%), with only 14% possessing advanced degrees (n = 19). Nearly a third of the nurses in the study had accumulated 6 to 10 years of professional experience (n = 49, 34.8%). A noteworthy percentage of nurses were engaged in daily shifts exceeding 8 h (n = 98, 70%). Gender differences were observed, with females exhibiting a higher tendency to avoid shaking hands and social gatherings. Saudi nationals were more inclined to shake hands and engage in gatherings. Non-Saudi nurses and those aged between <25 to 40 years demonstrated proper donning/doffing practices. Nurses with over 6 years of experience avoided social gatherings, while those working >8 h adhered better to PPE usage, proper donning/doffing, and disposal of PPE in designated bins. Understanding COVID-19 protocols is crucial for tailoring interventions and ensuring effective compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among nurses. More efforts should be made toward preparing the healthcare nursing to deal with the outbreak. Preparing healthcare nursing with the right knowledge, attitude, and precautionary practices during the COVID-19 outbreak is very essential to patient and public safety.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic on beaches in the eastern region of the Gulf of California, Mexico

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in plastic pollution, including improper disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). This study focuses on examining the presence and distribution of discarded PPE in three locations in Sonora, Mexico, located within the Gulf of California. Transects were conducted in 2021 and 2022, during which PPE items were visually identified, photographed, and classified. Face masks were found to be the most prevalent PPE type (96% of the total), with polymer-based masks being the most commonly observed (97% of the total). The density of PPE was higher on recreational beaches compared to non-recreational ones. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference (W = 217.5, p = 0.014) in the PPE density between the sampled recreational beaches in 2021 and 2022, with a higher density recorded in the first year. Improper disposal of PPE poses environmental risks and potential threats to marine organisms. The documented discarded COVID-19-related PPE in this study provides important baseline information for future research and monitoring. This information is valuable to better understand the ecotoxicological effects of PPE and develop effective waste management strategies in the Gulf of California.

The Impacts of Plastic Waste from Personal Protective Equipment Used during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The period from 2019 to 2022 has been defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in an unprecedented demand for and use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, the disposal of PPE without considering its environmental impact and proper waste management practices has become a growing concern. The increased demand for PPE during the pandemic and associated waste management practices have been analyzed. Additionally, the discussion around treating these residues and exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as biodegradable or reusable PPE, is crucial. The extensive use of predominantly non-degradable plastics in PPE has led to their accumulation in landfills, with potential consequences for marine environments through the formation of microplastics. Therefore, this article seeks to establish a connection between these issues and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing the importance of efficient management aligned with sustainable development objectives to address these emerging challenges and ensure a more sustainable future.

Potential Environmental Impacts of the Use and Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Sri Lanka

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a critical step in preventing the spread of COVID 19. It is a relatively new phenomenon in many countries, including Sri Lanka. However, used PPE is classified as hazardous waste due to the possibility of pathogen contamination, and the majority of them are made of PET, making them non-biodegradable waste. This study estimated the daily disposal of PPE waste and gathered data on the disposal techniques used by people, ultimately estimating the environmental impact of this newly added waste stream. Data collection was solely based on a questionnaire circulated online. Almost 12 million face masks, 0.2 million gloves, and 0.3 million face shields are used in a single day in Sri Lanka. In addition, as empty sanitizer bottles, 0.7 million PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles are discarded. The estimated annual climate change impact of PPE use across the country was nearly 100 kT CO2 eq. Open burning is the most common method of disposal for face masks and gloves used by households; nearly half of all used face masks and gloves are burned. Transferring waste to municipal solid waste collections also results in waste ending up in open dumps with other waste. As a result of the toxins released into the air during open burning and the release of microplastics during photovoltaic degradation, PPE disposal practices in Sri Lanka have a massive environmental and public health impact. Nevertheless, PPE can be used to generate energy through incineration or pyrolysis, reducing environmental impacts while providing economic benefits if proper plans and policies are in place.

Design and fabrication of a biodegradable face shield by using cleaner technologies for the protection of direct splash and airborne pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic

Due to global supply chain disruptions and high demand for personal protective equipment (PPE), the rapidly expanding COVID-19 crisis left millions of front-line fighters unprotected. The disposal of PPE in the environment caused significant environmental pollution. Hence, indigenous initiatives have been taken to fabricate antiviral and biodegradable face shields with the help of neoteric and cleaner technologies. This paper describes a novel endeavor to design, manufacture, and performance analysis of a face shield made by plastic injection molding and LASER Cutting. Because of the requirement of permanent wear, the face shield's ergonomic design is considered low weight and easy head fixation, alongside high production ability. Here, face shield frames are made with lightweight, biodegradable plastic called Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), whereas an optical grade PLA sheet is used as the visor for better clarity. Visors PLA Sheet is coated with Nano-Silver disinfectant spray to incorporate antiviral properties to the Faceshield. Partially circumferential adjustable elastic straps are used for comfortable head fixation. To evaluate the product, clinical fit tests along with statistical survey were conducted, and the feedback from the end-users on comfort (41% Excellent, 30% Good, 26% Average and 3% Poor), clear view (33% Excellent, 38% Good, 24% Average, and 5% Poor), design features (43% Excellent, 35% Good, and 22% Average), simplicity of installation and disassembly (29% Excellent, 33% Good, and 38% Average), and ease of wearing/removing (45% Excellent, 40% Good, and 15%Average) are encouraging.

Biomedical waste segregation compliance scoring system: to analyze, strengthen, monitor, and step up waste management in healthcare facilities.

segregation of biomedical waste (BMW) is the foremost and prime step for effective BMW management. This study was taken up to assess the BMW segregation compliance in patient care areas using a checklist-based scoring system to analyze the segregation compliance and establish feedback-based training programs. this study was conducted between January 2020 to December 2021 at a government tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad. The compliance was calculated by giving a score of one for each day, such that if there was no noncompliance (NC) the score was 100% for a given location at the end of the month. A score of minus one was given for each day a noncompliance was noted and transfigured into percentages. A score of 100% was considered good, and below 95% was considered an action point necessitating root cause analysis and training. the BMW segregation compliance scores of the hospital for the year 2020 (96.5%) were compared with 2021 scores (97.5%). The outpatient department (OPD) and ICU had the poorest compliance rate of 93.7% and 93.6% respectively, compared to wards (96.2%). The most common factors influencing NC in BMW segregation were the joining of new staff, relocation, or new establishment of wards. The most common segregation error was found in the yellow disposal bags pertaining to the disposal of personal protective equipment. this easy and simple scoring system was established to improve the segregation compliance of BMW. End of each month an area wise compliance is easily made such that areas with low scores could be trained.

COVID-19 Supply Chain Risks and Environmental Impact Assessment

This article describes the risks and environmental impacts associated with COVID-19 supply chain activities from production of vaccines to the ultimate disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE). The benefits and harm to the environment arising from preventive measures such as lockdown, wearing masks, travel restrictions, and hand washing are described. Three tools are used in the evaluation: (a) evaluation of risks in the supply chain using failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), (b) evaluation of risks due to social behavior, using the tool RIKA and (c) environmental impact assessment. Risk communication and risk mitigation strategies are described. COVID-19 presents us an ideal opportunity to learn from the benefits and adopt measures to minimize environmental harm.

Influence of Latex and Vinyl Disposable Gloves as Recycled Fibers in 3D Printing Sustainable Mortars

The disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) is a main concern of researchers. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic made this issue worse, so the production and use of large quantities of disposable gloves in recent years and the lack of a suitable solution for the disposal of these recycled materials are some of the consequences of this pandemic. To address this issue, the present study performed a comprehensive experimental program to determine the possibility of using recycled latex and vinyl gloves as recycled fibers within extrusion-based 3D printing concrete. Moreover, a graphene oxide (GO) nanomaterial was also used to compensate for some undesired properties of mixtures. Flow table, buildability, and mechanical tests were performed in this study. Results show that the synergic effect of recycled fibers and GO significantly improved the 3D printing characteristics of mortar. Although very promising results were obtained in this study, findings show that using a high content of recycled fibers reduces the concrete compressive strength. However, the addition of GO significantly compensates for this reduction.

PPE pollution in the terrestrial and aquatic environment of the Chittagong city area associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and concomitant health implications.

The present study focuses on the indiscriminate disposal of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and resulting environmental contamination during the 3rd wave of COVID-19-driven global pandemic in the Chittagong metropolitan area, Bangladesh. Because of the very high rate of infection by the delta variant of this virus, the use of PPEs by the public is increased significantly to protect the ingestion/inhalation of respiratory droplets in the air. However, it is a matter of solicitude that general people throw away the PPEs to the dwelling environment unconsciously. With the increase of inappropriate disposal of PPEs (i.e., mostly the disposable face masks made from plastic microfibers), the possibility of transmission of the virus to the general public cannot be neglected completely. This is because this virus can survive for several days on the inanimate matter like plastics and fibers. At the same time, the result of environmental contamination by microplastic/microfiber has been widespread which eventually creates the worst impact on ecosystems and organisms. The present results may help to increase public perception of the use and subsequent disposal of PPEs, especially the face masks.

Practices related to infection control during COVID-19 times among dental practitioners in Hubli–Dharwad: A cross-sectional survey

Background: In view of the global crisis due to the pandemic, dental practitioners are one of the high-risk categories in acquiring and spreading the infection due to their close approximation with the oral cavity. In this regard, dentists play a major role in preventing cross-contamination by following proper infection control protocol. Aim: This study aimed to assess the practices related to infection control protocol regarding COVID-19 among dental practitioners in Hubli–Dharwad. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September and October 2020 for 2 months. One hundred and fifteen IDA-registered dental practitioners were randomly selected, and a pretested close-ended questionnaire comprising 28 questions related to infection control practices was distributed. The questions were designed to mimic a usual clinical scenario when the patient walks in for a treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22, Chi-square test was used to compare the groups, and the value of P was set at P ≤ 0.05. Results: Majority of the practitioners were following the proper infection protocol related to COVID-19. However, the proper method of donning and doffing of personal protective equipment (PPE) (59%) as well as disposal of PPE (56%) was not followed appropriately. A statistically significant difference was observed in relation to the location of the clinic the usage of consent forms (P = 0.017) and performing aerosol-generating procedures (P = 0.016). With respect to the professional years of experience, a statistically significant difference was observed related to the air conditioning of dental clinics (P = 0.031) and the type of filters installed (P = 0.007). Conclusion: Infection control protocol was followed properly by most of the practitioners; however, continuing dental education and short-term courses will add to increased awareness regarding infection control during the times of new infection.

First landscape-scale survey of the background level of COVID-19 face mask litter: Exploring the potential for citizen science data collection during a ‘pollution pilgrimage’ of walking a 250-km roadside transect

The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a global problem through the cavalier or deliberate disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) by the general public. This has raised concerns that the billions of discarded face masks pose a threat to wildlife through entanglement or, when broken down, through ingestion of derived microplastics. Previous quantitative surveys of the magnitude of such litter have focused on areas where people congregate, such as tourist beaches and large cities. The present survey is the first to provide data on the background level of face mask litter through a landscape of variable land-use. A 250-km transect along an historic road between Montreal and Quebec City (Canada) was surveyed during a walking pilgrimage, revealing an overall density of 0.0001 ± 0.00006 face masks m−2. Average densities were significantly higher in areas of human occupation compared to agricultural and forested rural land. However, there was no significant correlation between population size of communities and the number of face masks encountered, nor in litter extent and proximity to municipalities. This may be due to the confounding influence of inter-community differences in scheduled street cleaning operations. Seventy-six percent of face masks were of the disposable surgical variety, with the remaining 24% being reusable cloth masks. This, and the fact that only 10% of the former and none of the latter exhibited broken ear straps, insinuates that the litter could be due to accidental loss rather than inappropriate discarding by individuals en route. Scaling-up these findings in relation to the global road network generates a preliminary background estimate for roadside litter of >17 million face masks. The present study endorses the call made by others to engage citizen scientists in surveying PPE litter, in particular, the thousands who each year walk the medieval pilgrimage routes through the landscape of Europe.

Energy and environmental sustainability of waste personal protective equipment (PPE) treatment under COVID-19

Combating the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the demand for and disposal of personal protective equipment in the United States. This work proposes a novel waste personal protective equipment processing system that enables energy recovery through producing renewable fuels and other basic chemicals. Exergy analysis and environmental assessment through a detailed life cycle assessment approach are performed to evaluate the energy and environmental sustainability of the processing system. Given the environmental advantages in reducing 35.42% of total greenhouse gas emissions from the conventional incineration and 43.50% of total fossil fuel use from landfilling processes, the optimal number, sizes, and locations of establishing facilities within the proposed personal protective equipment processing system in New York State are then determined by an optimization-based site selection methodology, proposing to build two pre-processing facilities in New York County and Suffolk County and one integrated fast pyrolysis plant in Rockland County. Their optimal annual treatment capacities are 1,708 t/y, 8,000 t/y, and 9,028 t/y. The proposed optimal personal protective equipment processing system reduces 31.5% of total fossil fuel use and 35.04% of total greenhouse gas emissions compared to the personal protective equipment incineration process. It also avoids 41.52% and 47.64% of total natural land occupation from the personal protective equipment landfilling and incineration processes.

Escalating SARS-CoV-2 circulation in environment and tracking waste management in South Asia.

The novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an exceptional drift of production, utilization, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) and different microplastic objects for safety against the virus. Hence, we reviewed related literature on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detected from household, biomedical waste, and sewage to identify possible health risks and status of existing laws, regulations, and policies regarding waste disposal in South Asian (SA) countries. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in sewage and wastewater samples of Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Besides, this review reiterates the enormous amounts of PPE and other single-use plastic wastes generated from healthcare facilities and households in the SA region with inappropriate disposal, landfilling, and/or incineration techniques wind-up polluting the environment. Consequently, the Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of SARS-CoV-2 has been detected in sewer treatment plant in India. Moreover, the overuse of non-biodegradable plastics during the pandemic is deteriorating plastic pollution condition and causes a substantial health risk to the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. We recommend making necessary adjustments, adopting measures and strategies, and enforcement of the existing biomedical waste management and sanitation-related policy in SA countries. We propose to adopt the knowledge gaps to improve COVID-19-associated waste management and legislation to prevent further environmental pollution. Besides, the citizens should follow proper disposal procedures of COVID-19 waste to control the environmental pollution.

Photocatalytic Treatments for Personal Protective Equipment: Experimental Microbiological Investigations and Perspectives for the Enhancement of Antimicrobial Activity by Micrometric TiO2.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to countries enforcing the use of facial masks to prevent contagion. However, acquisition, reuse, and disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE) has generated problems, in regard to the safety of individuals and environmental sustainability. Effective strategies to reprocess and disinfect PPE are needed to improve the efficacy and durability of this equipment and to reduce waste load. Thus, the addition of photocatalytic materials to these materials, combined with light exposure at specific wavelengths, may represent promising solutions. To this aim, we prepared a series of masks by depositing micrometer-sized TiO2 on the external surfaces; the masks were then contaminated with droplets of bacteria suspensions and the coatings were activated by light radiation at different wavelengths. A significant reduction in the microbial load (over 90%, p < 0.01) was observed using both Gram negative (E. coli) and Gram positive (S. aureus) bacteria within 15 min of irradiation, with UV or visible light, including sunlight or artificial sources. Our results support the need for further investigations on self-disinfecting masks and other disposable PPE, which could positively impact (i) the safety of operators/workers, and (ii) environmental sustainability in different occupational or recreational settings.

Assessment of the Biosafety and Biosecurity in the Reference Veterinary Laboratory of Parakou in Benin.

Optimal biosafety and biosecurity are major requirements of global health security. This study assessed the biorisk management in the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou (Benin). The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and evaluative. The non-probability sampling method with the reasoned choice was used. The Food and Agriculture Organization laboratory mapping tool-safety was used to collect information from the laboratory team. Group discussion, working environment observation, and document exploitation were the data collection techniques. The biorisk management was rated good if the average indicator of the laboratory reached at least 80%. Otherwise, the biorisk management was rated insufficient. The overall laboratory biosafety and biosecurity score was insufficient (42.4%). Per area, the scores were 26.7% for engineering, 33.3% for administration, 53.8% for personal protective equipment, and 62.3% for the operational. There was no area or category score that reached 80%. Containment, waste disposal, and personal protective equipment disposal were the best performing categories with a score above 60%. The laboratory has no biosafety and accident prevention program. Its premises require renovation. The standard operating procedures for biosafety are not yet finalized, and the training mechanism is not optimal. Therefore, strong advocacy and implementation of a biorisk management improvement plan appear as urgent corrective actions which are required to help the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou in its task to protect the livestock and, ultimately, the people of Benin from dangerous diseases and emerging pathogens.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution associated with the COVID-19 pandemic along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco

The increasing use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as a sanitary measure against the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant source of many environmental risks. The majority of the governments enforce the use of PPE in public areas, such as beaches. Thus, the use and disposal of PPE have compromised most solid waste management strategies, ultimately leading to the occurrence of PPE polluting the marine environment. The present study aimed to monitor the PPE pollution associated with COVID-19 along the coastline of Agadir, Morocco. In parallel, the influence of the activities carried out in each sampled beach before and after the lockdown break was reported. Overall, a total number of 689 PPE items were identified, with a mean density of 1.13 × 10−5 PPE m−2 (0–1.21 × 10−4 PPE m−2). The majority of the PPE items found were face masks (96.81%), out of which 98.4% were surgical masks and 1.6% were reusable cloth masks. The most polluted sites were the beaches with recreational activities, followed by surfing, and fishing as the main activity. Importantly, PPE density increased significantly after lockdown measures. Additionally, the discarded PPE sampled in the supralittoral zone was higher than PPE recorded in the intertidal zone. This confirms that PPE items are driven by the beachgoers during their visit. PPE items are a source of microplastic and chemical pollutants, a substrate to invasive species colonization, and a potential threat of entanglement, ingestion, and/or infection among apex predators. In the specific case of Agadir beaches, significant efforts are required to work on the lack of environmental awareness and education. It is recommended to improve beach cleaning strategies and to penalize incorrect PPE disposal. Additional alternatives may be adopted, as the involvement of biodegradable materials in PPE manufacturing, recycling through pyrolysis, and encouraging reusable and washable masks.

English

BACKGROUND The healthcare personnel are the first ones to get exposed to corona virus disease (COVID 19) infection while serving the patients in the hospital. Correct knowledge and practice regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) kit usage is the need of the hour which acts as a barrier for infection. The level of knowledge on PPE, method of guidance and the perceived need for PPE by healthcare personnel play an important role in controlling the infections in hospital settings. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Covid Care Center of a Tertiary Care Hospital of Ananthapuramu district among healthcare staff using a pre-structured closed-ended questionnaire regarding socio-demographic details and usage of personal protective equipment. The score obtained was classified as good if the score ranges from 6 to 8 &amp; poor if the score is from 0 to 5. RESULTS 28 out of 64 subjects (43.7 %) had good knowledge &amp; practice regarding PPE kit usage. Majority of them had given correct responses for PPE kit components, wearing masks and disposal of PPE while most of them scored poorly in donning and doffing steps, wearing gloves and foot covers. CONCLUSIONS Most of the study subjects had good knowledge regarding wearing masks, PPE kit components, &amp; method of disposal of PPE. Majority of them did not know the correct steps for donning &amp; doffing of PPE &amp; wearing gloves. Most of the doctors did not even have adequate knowledge on appropriate usage and disposal of PPE. As per the study, neither gender nor job title could determine the level of knowledge &amp; practice of PPE kit. Well planned training sessions for health care workers (HCWs) regarding the steps of donning and doffing of PPE, correct method of disposal of PPE &amp; using right substitutes is important. KEYWORDS PPE Kit, Healthcare, Donning, Doffing

COVID lessons from the global south – Face masks invading tourist beaches and recommendations for the outdoor seasons

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) has been extensively used, and discarded PPE has been observed in many different environments, including on tourist beaches. Here we examined the distribution and densities of face masks on some of the main tourist beaches in Chile, and we monitored their daily accumulation rates on one beach in northern-central Chile. Face masks were found on beaches across the country with average densities of 0.006 ± 0.002 (mean ± se) face masks m−2, which are higher than densities reported on Peruvian beaches, but lower than those on some Kenyan beaches. Face masks were also found on more remote beaches and rocky shores in northern-central Chile. Daily accumulation rates on one tourist beach were low during austral fall/winter (0.2 face masks km−1 d−1), but were over ten times higher during austral summer (3.0 face masks km−1 d−1). These values are substantially higher than daily accumulation rates reported from urban streets, which is most likely due to the high densities of beach visitors during the summer tourist season. COVID-19 related infrastructure (signposts and PPE waste bins) was present on most beaches, but while signposts about personal protection were abundant, there were few signposts about littering, and only one of the 12 beaches sampled for COVID infrastructure had a signpost that offered recommendations about the proper disposal of used face masks. Specific waste bins for PPE waste were only available at three beaches. Based on these findings it is recommended to provide sufficient PPE-related signs and waste bins, establish general and strict waste disposal regulations, and to improve enforcement. Educational campaigns should aim at recommending proper use and disposal of face masks, litter prevention, reduction of single-use waste and enhanced pro-environmental behaviors.

Management of epistaxis during COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract Epistaxis represents a commonly encountered manifestation in the ENT Emergency Department. Healthcare providers working in the ENT Emergency Department are at high risk of COVID-19 infection both because of the high viral load in the upper airways and because of the asymptomatic presentation of COVID-19 disease. Special focus is needed for managing the balance between appropriate patient care and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers. Adequate preparation and modification of the procedures for bleeding control to minimize risk of spread is necessary. While managing, attention should be kept on less invasive methods with avoidance of aerosol-generating activities. Nonetheless, proper use and disposal of personal protective equipment is of utmost importance in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Personal protective equipment usage, recycling and disposal among spine surgeons: An Asia Pacific Spine Society survey.

In this study we investigated on the personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, recycling, and disposal among spine surgeons in the Asia Pacific region. A cross-sectional survey was carried out among spine surgeons in Asia Pacific. The questionnaires were focused on the usage, recycling and disposal of PPE. Two hundred and twenty-two surgeons from 19 countries participated in the survey. When we sub-analysed the differences between countries, the provision of adequate PPE by hospitals ranged from 37.5% to 100%. The usage of PPE was generally high. The most used PPE were surgical face masks (88.7%), followed by surgical caps (88.3%), gowns (85.6%), sterile gloves (83.3%) and face shields (82.0%). The least used PPE were powered air-purifying respirators (PAPR) (23.0%) and shoes/boots (45.0%). The commonly used PPE for surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients were N95 masks (74.8%), sterile gloves (73.0%), gowns (72.1%), surgical caps (71.6%), face shields (64.4%), goggles (64.0%), shoe covers (58.6%), plastic aprons (45.9%), shoes/boots (45.9%), surgical face masks (36.5%) and PAPRs (21.2%). Most PPE were not recycled. Biohazard bins were the preferred method of disposal for all types of PPE items compared to general waste. The usage of PPE was generally high among most countries especially for surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients except for Myanmar and Nepal. Overall, the most used PPE were surgical face masks. For surgeries involving COVID-19 positive patients, the most used PPE were N95 masks. Most PPE were not recycled. Biohazard bins were the preferred method of disposal for all types of PPE.