Plastic residues produced with confirmatory testing for COVID-19: Classification, quantification, fate, and impacts on human health.

ABSTRACT: In March 2020, several international organizations started making recommendations regarding the need for prompt coronavirus-based diagnosis in order to prevent its spread among the world's population. The most widely used test for confirmation of COVID-19 is real-time PCR (RT-PCR). This technique uses plastic supplies in its procedures, which are 100% disposable to avoid cross-contamination and biological risks. The scientific community has become increasingly worried because of the environmental impacts associated with the current COVID-19 pandemic, such as medical plastic residues. We classified and estimated the amount of plastic residues generated as a consequence of COVID-19 diagnostic tests and analyzed the relationships of the plastics generated with number of confirmed cases, popul

SUBMITTER: Celis JE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7726581 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature