Personal Protective Equipment Items Research Articles

Determining Viral Disinfection Efficacy of Hot Water Laundering.

This protocol provides an example of a laboratory process for conducting laundering studies that generate data on viral disinfection. While the protocol was developed for research during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, it is intended to be a framework, adaptable to other virus disinfection studies; it demonstrates the steps for preparing the test virus, inoculating the test material, assessing visual and integrity changes to the washed items due to the laundering process, and quantifying the reduction in viral load. Additionally, the protocol outlines the necessary quality control samples for ensuring the experiments are not biased by contamination and measurements/observations that should be recorded to track the material integrity of the personal protective equipment (PPE) items after multiple laundering cycles. The representative results presented with the protocol use the Phi6 bacteriophage inoculated onto cotton scrub, denim, and cotton face-covering materials and indicate that the hot water laundering and drying process achieved over a 3-log (99.9%) reduction in viral load for all samples (a 3-log reduction is the disinfectant performance metric in U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Product Performance Test Guideline 810.2200). The reduction in viral load was uniform across different locations on the PPE items. The results of this viral disinfection efficacy testing protocol should help the scientific community explore the effectiveness of home laundering for other types of test viruses and laundering procedures.

The impact of COVID-19 on Western Australian medical imaging clinical practice and workplace.

IntroductionMedical imaging plays a key role in the management of patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19). This field is at risk from the impacts of the pandemic on the practice and workplace of medical imaging professionals (MIPs). Recent research has explored this impact internationally and in various states of Australia; however, the impact of the pandemic on Western Australian (WA) MIPs is yet to be examined.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study aimed to address this issue by surveying clinically practicing WA MIPs on their experience of the impact of COVID‐19. The survey was conducted online between the 1st and the 31st of May 2021 and encompassed 101 clinical sites.ResultsFifty‐one valid (17.1%) responses were recorded, and a majority (66.7%) of the participants were employed in public hospitals. The results showed that most participants (94.1%) perceived an impact on their clinical practice, with expressions of insufficient access to personal protective equipment (PPE). The use of all the appropriate PPE items were dependent on whether the participants were employed in a public hospital, private hospital, or a private practice (P = 0.001). Perceived imaging volume decrease across modalities did not differ significantly among the workplaces, except for interventional radiology (P = 0.006). The participants also expressed concerns about inadequate psychological support.ConclusionsCOVID‐19 has enhanced infection control procedures and modified the routine imaging patterns. Specifically, WA medical imaging centres have altered their PPE and cleaning procedures based on updated health advice. Efforts should be taken to strengthen the support provided to the staff members and to ensure adequate access to PPE supplies.

Knowledge of undergraduate students of the course in dentistry about the transmission of covid-19 in dental offices / Conhecimento dos estudantes de graduação do curso de odontologia sobre a transmissão da covid-19 em consultórios odontológicos

The aim of this study was to evaluate the knowledge of dental students about the transmission of coronavirus in dental offices, and the biosafety measures that must be adopted to prevent its dissemination. An online questionnaire with 18 questions was applied to the students to collect the information. The sample was composed of 126 students of the dentistry course of public and private universities who had previous contact with clinical practice. The results revealed that 68.3% of the undergraduates were aware that dentists were among the health professionals who were at most risk for contamination, and 93.7% of them said that the procedures that generated aerosol in the dental office were those that led to the highest chances of transmission of COVID-19. The responses also showed the awareness of students relative to the need to use all the items of personal protective equipment (PPE), in which 90% of the participants considered masks, caps, gloves, facial protectors, aprons, and protective goggles to be essential for preventing propagation of the virus. When asked about hand hygiene, 92.1% of the students considered soap and water the best option. Based on assessment of patients’ history (recent travels, chronic diseases and present health status), 87% reported that it was also important to obtain these items of before attending a patient. It was concluded that the undergraduates had knowledge about the transmission and biosafety methods in the dental office, related to COVID-19, which would contribute to the safety of clinical attendance in the universities.

Physical and chemical degradation of littered personal protective equipment (PPE) under simulated environmental conditions

Investigations of the physicochemical degradation of personal protective equipment (PPE) under controlled environmental conditions are largely lacking. Here the chemical and physical changes of face masks and gloves (recovered from the marine environment) were evaluated after exposure time up to 60 days of simulated environmental conditions. The results suggested that the polymer backbone of PPE suffers typical changes induced by sun exposure. Changes in the intensity of diffraction peaks indicated shifts in the crystallinity of PPE, possibly altering their thermal behavior. Signs of physical degradation in PPE, such as ruptures, and rough surfaces, which exacerbated over time were also detected. Additionally, signals of some elements of concern, such as Cu and Mo, and elements typically found in seawater were detected. The results of this study allowed us to better understand the degradation of typical PPE items in the marine environment, ultimately resulting in the release of microplastics and chemical contaminants.

Occupational Prevention of COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Primary Healthcare Settings: Compliance and Perceived Effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment.

It is crucial for healthcare workers (HCWs) to comply with infection prevention and control precautions such as the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for their safety and the safety of patients. In this study, we aimed to assess HCWs' compliance with the appropriate use of PPE in primary healthcare settings in Qatar along with its associated factors and explore their perceived effectiveness of different PPE items in protecting against COVID-19 infection. A Web-based survey was conducted between November 2020 and January 2021 targeting all clinical HCWs under the umbrella of Primary Health Care Corporation. A total of 757 HCWs completed the survey, and most were between 30 and 39 years of age (50.2%), females (62.7%), and nurses (35.3%). Eighty eight percent of participants believed that PPE could provide high or very high protection against COVID-19. About one-half (53%) were found to be fully compliant with PPE use during patient interactions with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, whereas three-quarters (76.3%) were fully compliant while performing aerosol-generating procedures. Healthcare workers' age, nationality, health center region, area of work, clinical experience, frequency of interaction with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases, and the perceived effectiveness of PPE were significant predictors of full compliance with PPE. Shortage of PPE was the commonest reported barrier to appropriate use. Despite HCWs' high perceived effectiveness for PPE in protecting against COVID-19 infection, their full compliance rate with using PPE was moderate and needs further improvement.

COVID-19-related personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in the highly urbanized southeast Brazilian coast

This study aimed to report personal protective equipment (PPE) contamination in Santos beaches (Brazil) using standardized procedures for the first time while comparing two periods to understand the progression of PPE contamination. The occurrence of PPE items was ubiquitous in all sampled sites, although the densities were relatively low compared to those in other parts of the world. Unlike previous studies, reusable face masks were the most common type of PPE. PPE density in the studied areas was similar in both sampling seasons, probably because of the influence of tourism, urbanization, and local hydrodynamic aspects. PPE items can release microfibers into the aquatic environment and pose entanglement hazards to marine biota. A wider monitoring of PPE pollution, accompanied by surveys on PPE usage and behavior, as well as chemical characterization of the discarded PPE items, is needed to fully understand this unprecedented form of plastic pollution.

The case of “public congregation vs. COVID-19 PPE pollution”: Evidence, lessons, and recommendations from the annual pilgrimage to the Catholic Holy Site in Mexico City, Mexico

Pollution from personal protective equipment (PPE), particularly face masks, has surfaced in the marine and terrestrial environments globally since the COVID-19 outbreak due to improper disposal practices and inadequate waste management, raising widespread alarm and attention. Our understanding of the prevalence and distribution of PPE in highly populated metropolitan areas is still emerging, and studies focusing specifically on developing countries in Latin America remain sparse. This study attempted to “kill two birds with one stone” by (1) addressing this knowledge gap by analyzing the degree of improper dispensing of PPE in Mexico City (Mexico) and (2) investigating the impact of massive public congregations on PPE contamination during the yearly pilgrimage to the Villa de Guadalupe on December 12th. Our survey findings revealed 731 PPE items within a 6-kilometer radius between December 5 and December 12, 2021, with daily densities ranging from 4.1 × 10−3–13.9 × 10−3 PPE items m−2. Face masks were the most disposed type of PPE (94%), with gloves and face shields accounting for just 6% of the total. The PPE disposal more than doubled as the pilgrim day approached, with an estimated disposal rate ranging from 151.52 to 506.06 items day−1, substantiating the surge in the disposal of used PPE to large public congregations that filled the surroundings during the pilgrimage. The observed average PPE density of 7.8 × 10−3 items m−2 was higher than in the metropolitan environments of Canada, Ghana, and Turkey. To our knowledge, this first study describes information showing the need to pay attention to the major impact of public events and mobility on COVID-19 PPE pollution, as well as emphasizes the necessity for adequate management facilities in improving PPE disposal.

Quantification of single use plastics waste generated in clinical dental practice and hospital settings

ObjectivesTo quantify (by number and mass) single use plastic waste generated from the provision of oral healthcare in primary and secondary care clinical dental settings in the UK. MethodsAn observational study of four dental practices and the clinics of a UK undergraduate dental teaching hospital was conducted. A range of routine common procedures were observed by trained and calibrated observers; these were: Examinations, endodontics, periodontics, direct placement restorations, fixed and removable prosthodontics and oral surgery. The PPE items used before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also included. ResultsRoutine ‘surgery set up’ generic items present a significant proportion of SUP plastic waste as these are used in every instance of patient treatment. An average of twenty-one (n = 21) SUP plastic waste items are used for every procedure with a mean mass of 354 g per procedure (including set up and clean up). The use of PPE increased from 14 items (pre-COVID -19) to 19 items during the pandemic. SUP items are constructed from a single plastic or from multiple plastics forming compound structures (heteropolymers); with an approximate 50:50 distribution. ConclusionsThe dental profession, at the point of care, uses a high volume of single use plastic that becomes clinical waste. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) significantly increased during the COVID 19 pandemic and this accounts for the single greatest contribution of single use plastic, as this is used for every clinical procedure. Clinical SignificanceManufacturers, distributors and oral healthcare providers have an opportunity to consider and implement approaches that include effective waste management with reduction, recovery and recycling at its core, towards transforming oral healthcare to a circular plastics economy.

Binational survey of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution driven by the COVID-19 pandemic in coastal environments: Abundance, distribution, and analytical characterization

In the present contribution, two nationwide surveys of personal protective equipment (PPE) pollution were conducted in Peru and Argentina aiming to provide valuable information regarding the abundance and distribution of PPE in coastal sites. Additionally, PPE items were recovered from the environment and analyzed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), and compared to brand-new PPE in order to investigate the chemical and structural degradation of PPE in the environment. PPE density (PPE m−2) found in both countries were comparable to previous studies. FTIR analysis revealed multiple polymer types comprising common PPE, mainly polypropylene, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyester. SEM micrographs showed clear weathering signs, such as cracks, cavities, and rough surfaces in face masks and gloves. EDX elemental mapping revealed the presence of elemental additives, such as Ca in gloves and face masks and AgNPs as an antimicrobial agent. Other metals found on the surface of PPE were Mo, P, Ti, and Zn. XRD patterns displayed a notorious decrease in the crystallinity of polypropylene face masks, which could alter its interaction with external contaminants and stability. The next steps in this line of research were discussed.

Inventory Cost Reduction and EOQ for Personal Protective Equipment: A Case Study in Oil and Gas Company

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is one of materials that is urgent for oil and gas companies. Company X is an upstream oil and gas company located in Indonesia that requires its employees to wear PPE. Therefore, the PPE inventory must be controlled carefully to maintain the level of PPE inventory. This research has an objective to reduce PPE inventory cost through the application of Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) method. To achieve this objectives, a research was conducted to 22 items of PPE in Company X. The research was conducted by forecasting PPE demand, calculating optimal quantity and ordering frequency, calculating safety stock and reorder point, and finally calculating the inventory cost reduction. The result shows that the implementation of EOQ has enabled the company to reduce its inventory cost by 19.72%. Therefore, it is advisable for Company X to design and implement EOQ as the inventory control program for PPE.

Predictors of perceived pandemic preparedness among general practitioners

Abstract Background General practitioners (GPs) are essential for providing and maintaining health care during a pandemic. Pandemic preparedness (PP) of GPs can play a vital role in their management of a pandemic situation. This study aimed to examine the association stockpiled personal protective equipment (PPE) and knowledge of pandemic plans on perceived PP among German GPs. This analysis is part of the research project COVID-GAMS (Funding code: 01KI2099). Methods Three multivariable linear regression models were developed based on an online cross-sectional survey for the period March-April 2020 (the onset of the pandemic in Germany). Data were collected using self-developed items on self-assessed PP and knowledge of a pandemic plan and its utility. The stock of seven PPE items was queried. For PPE items, three different PPE scores were compared. Control variables for all models were gender and age. Results 508 GPs were included in the study; 65.16% believed that they were very poorly or poorly prepared. Furthermore, 13.83% of GPs were aware of a pandemic plan; 40% rated those plans as beneficial. The stock of FFP-2/3 masks, protective suits, face shields, safety glasses, and medical face masks were mostly considered completely insufficient or insufficient, whereas disposable gloves and disinfectants were considered sufficient or completely sufficient. The stock of PPE was significantly positively associated with PP and had the largest effect on PP across all models; the association of the knowledge of a pandemic plan was significant but considerably smaller. PPE scores did not vary considerably in their explanatory power. The assessment of a pandemic plan as beneficial did not significantly affect PP. Conclusions An adequate stockpile of PPE is essential for perceived pandemic preparedness among GPs. Pandemic plans are considered less important for GPs. General practitioners, health authorities, and policy makers should focus on stockpiling PPE for future pandemic emergencies. Key messages Sufficient stockpiled personal protective equipment is the most important factor influencing pandemic preparedness of general practitioners in Germany. Knowledge on a pandemic plan has a subordinate effect on pandemic preparedness of general practitioners; usefulness of a pandemic plan does not have a significant effect.

PPE fit of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Historically, PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) has generally been designed around the size and shape of an average European or US white man's face and body. There is little academic evidence to support anecdotal reports that women are at a greater disadvantage than men from ill-fitting PPE. This is especially relevant in healthcare settings where women make up at least 75% of frontline workers. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated problems associated with the fit of PPE that until now have been mainly anecdotal. This research presents results and analysis of a quantitative and qualitative survey concerning the fit of PPE worn by 248 healthcare workers, in a variety of healthcare roles and settings, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The analysis of the survey results showed that women were less likely than men to feel safe carrying out their roles, with only 30.5% of women and 53.3% of men stating that they felt safe all of the time. A statistically significant link is made between women suffering more with poor fit than men with certain categories of PPE (gowns, masks, visors, goggles). Over four times as many women (54.8%) as men (13.3%) reported their surgical gowns being large to some degree and women were nearly twice as likely (53.5%) to experience oversized surgical masks than men (28.6%). However, it was recognized that PPE fit problems are not exclusive to women as many men also do not conform to the underlying shape and size of PPE designs. Survey results indicated that both sexes felt equally hampered due to the fit of their PPE and around a third of both women and men had modified their PPE to address fit issues. Oversized and modified PPE presents its own set of unintended consequences. Following strict processes for doffing and removing PPE is key to virus control but doffing modified PPE can fall outside of these processes, risking cross infection. In addition, wearers of critical items of PPE (such as respirators) currently undergo a “fit test”; however, fit does not reconcile with comfort and over-tightened PPE can cause headaches, discomfort and distraction when worn for long periods. Requirements and fit tests are also not setting-specific; qualitative responses from the survey give an indication that this must be a future consideration.

Non-sterile examination gloves and sterile surgical gloves: which are more sustainable?

Healthcare professionals should consider environmental sustainability when using personal protective equipment (PPE). One of the most frequently used items of PPE in medical settings are gloves. This study aims to quantify the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. This study used three glove types: non-sterile gloves and sterile gloves (latex and latex-free). Sixteen different environmental impact categories were used to demonstrate the impact of each glove type. Non-sterile gloves had the least environmental impact in all categories. The two types of sterile gloves, non-latex (synthetic rubber) and latex (natural rubber), performed similarly, although the non-latex gloves had a greater impact on ozone depletion, mineral use and ionizing radiation. For climate change impact, sterile latex gloves were 11.6 times higher than non-sterile gloves. This study found that for both sterile type gloves (latex and non-latex), the manufacture of the gloves contributes to the most considerable environmental impact, with an average of 64.37% for sterile latex gloves and 60.48% for non-latex sterile gloves. Using the LCA methodology, this study quantitatively demonstrated the environmental impact of sterile versus non-sterile gloves.

The Use of Personal Protective Equipment in a Biosafety Level 2 Prospective Observational Study.

Adequate safety precautions and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in hospitalized patients with health care-associated infections (HAIs) are the most effective preventions in their spread. Observational study was conducted in one inpatient facility in the Czech Republic before the COVID-19 pandemic (April 2019 to February 2020). Data were analyzed using Minitab at a significance level of .05. The execution of preventative measures in patients hospitalized with a HAI (n = 44) and the use of PPE by health care workers (n = 514) have been observed. The presence of defined PPE items usage differs on the basis of the department type (P = .0004). The correctness of PPE use differs on the basis of profession (P < .001), hand disinfection before PPE use (P < .001), use of all PPE (P < .001), and hand hygiene after PPE use (P < .001). General nurses had a higher observed frequency of hand hygiene (53.3%) than physicians (42.4%). The correct order of operations when using PPE differs on the basis of the department type (P < .001) and their architecture arrangement (open, semiopen, box) (P < .001). Critical preventative measures shortage was found at all units. Insufficient execution of the correct procedure of actions in the use of PPE was observed among health care workers. The best results have been observed among nurses.

Testing the efficacy and acceptability of video-reflexive methods in personal protective equipment training for medical interns: a mixed methods study

ObjectivesTo test the efficacy and acceptability of video-reflexive methods for training medical interns in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).DesignMixed methods study.SettingA tertiary-care teaching hospital, Sydney, January 2018–February 2019.Participants72...

COVID Face Masks: Policy Shift Results in Increased Littering

The introduction of the mandatory use of fitted face masks in indoor spaces to limit the transmission of COVID-19 resulted in increased municipal waste of discarded single-use surgical face masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as latex gloves. In parallel, the occurrence of intentionally or accidentally discarded masks has created a major environmental problem. This paper presents the data of a longitudinal study of the occurrence of discarded face masks in an urban environment of a community in regional Australia. It demonstrates that the shift from voluntary to mandatory use of fitted face masks resulted in an immediate increase of publicly discarded masks and other items of PPE. The overserved spatial and temporal patterns allow us to draw inferences on human behavior.

The Psychosocial Impact of COVID‐19 on Registered Nurses

Research ObjectiveCentral the COVID‐19 pandemic response are registered nurses (nurses), making life and death decisions amidst personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages and scarcity in other resources (e.g., ventilators, medications, staff). Emerging international evidence suggests nurses are at higher risk for detrimental psychosocial outcomes related to the pandemic, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep problems, compared to other clinician groups. The objective of this research is to describe the psychosocial impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on nurses currently practicing in the U.S.Study DesignWe conducted a concurrent mixed methods study from May‐August 2020. Participants were recruited through email listservs from regional professional nursing organizations, NIOSH‐funded Education and Research Centers nationwide, and through social media. Through REDCap, participants completed researcher‐developed sociodemographic and work characteristic questions (e.g., unit type, staffing levels, availability of PPE), and several validated instruments to measure depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ‐9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder; GAD‐7), insomnia (Insomnia Severity Index; ISI), and resilience (Connor Davidson Resilience Scale; CD‐RISC‐10). A subset of participants was purposefully selected for semi‐structured individual phone interviews to achieve maximum variation. Following data collection, we randomly drew 10 participants to receive a $50 Amazon giftcard.Population StudiedWe recruited a sample of nurses from 36 states and the District of Columbia. The analytic sample included N=629 for the survey and N=34 for the interviews. We report only survey findings herein.Principal FindingsParticipants were on average 43 years old (SD 13), 92% female, and 80% White; 92% were non‐Hispanic. Three‐quarters (76%) worked in inpatient hospital settings; 20% worked in intensive care or step‐down units. Approximately 70% of the sample worked day shifts and 59% worked 12‐hour shifts. Out of a list of 13 common PPE items, 91% of the sample reported at least one PPE shortage since the pandemic began, and 24% reported bringing or making their own PPE for use at work. Over one in four (28%) nurses reported being unsure or planned to leave their employer in the next year. About 18% of the sample scored ≥ 15 on the ISI, suggesting insomnia symptoms significant enough to warrant evaluation and treatment. A third of participants (34%) had scores reflecting mild anxiety, a quarter (24%) had scores reflecting moderate anxiety, and 9% scored in the range reflecting severe anxiety on the GAD‐7. Reports on the PHQ‐9 showed 9% of the sample with scores consistent with major depressive disorder while another 7% scored in the range consistent with other depressive disorder. Finally, the average CD‐RISC score was 29, with lower scores indicating lower resilience (range 0‐40).ConclusionsAs with other countries, U.S. nurses are facing highly stressful working conditions, with warning signals indicated in the psychosocial domains of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Overall, resilience levels are worse than pre‐pandemic levels from previously published literature.Implications for Policy or PracticeAs healthcare organizations adapt and respond to the pandemic, priority should be given to assessing and treating the psychosocial harm to nurses. Evidence‐based treatments and development of novel interventions to support this vital healthcare sector are warranted.Primary Funding Sourceintramural university funds

Stockpiled personal protective equipment and knowledge of pandemic plans as predictors of perceived pandemic preparedness among German general practitioners.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed the work of general practitioners (GPs). At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, German outpatient practices had to adapt quickly. Pandemic preparedness (PP) of GPs may play a vital role in their management of a pandemic. The study aimed to examine the association in the stock of seven personal protective equipment (PPE) items and knowledge of pandemic plans on perceived PP among GPs. Three multivariable linear regression models were developed based on an online cross-sectional survey for the period March-April 2020 (the onset of the pandemic in Germany). Data were collected using self-developed items on self-assessed PP and knowledge of a pandemic plan and its utility. The stock of seven PPE items was queried. For PPE items, three different PPE scores were compared. Control variables for all models were gender and age. In total, 508 GPs were included in the study; 65.16% believed that they were very poorly or poorly prepared. Furthermore, 13.83% of GPs were aware of a pandemic plan; 40% rated those plans as beneficial. The stock of FFP-2/3 masks, protective suits, face shields, safety glasses, and medical face masks were mostly considered completely insufficient or insufficient, whereas disposable gloves and disinfectants were considered sufficient or completely sufficient. The stock of PPE was significantly positively associated with PP and had the largest effect on PP; the association of the knowledge of a pandemic plan was significant but small. PPE scores did not vary considerably in their explanatory power. The assessment of a pandemic plan as beneficial did not significantly affect PP. The stock of PPE seems to be the determining factor for PP among German GPs; for COVID-19, sufficient masks are the determining factor. Knowledge of a pandemic plans play a secondary role in PP.

Head related transfer function measurements of common PPE

Due to COVID 19, personal protective equipment (PPE) is now used in everyday life. Such PPE affects communication and perception. This paper provides an overview of the impact of PPE on Head Related Transfer Functions (HRTF's). Spatial acoustic effects of common PPE on human hearing can be documented to improve and inform field worker safety and communication. After a general description of the measurement process and required tools, we focus on a few methods which contribute significantly to the accuracy and analysis of PPE-based HRTF data. The dedicated setup allows measuring a full 360 degree map in automated fashion. It includes a special ring setup with 25 speakers, and a precise turn table that is used to adjust the angle of the device under test with respect to the ring. Binaural measurements were performed on a set of common PPE items on a Head And Torso Simulator (HATS) system, including hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, and various face masks. An overview of the data is presented.

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.