Face mask waste generation and management during the COVID-19 pandemic: An overview and the Peruvian case

ABSTRACT: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has driven massive consumption of personal protective equipment (PPE) worldwide. Single-use face masks are one of the most used PPE to prevent the transmission of the virus. However, mismanagement of such materials threatens the environment with a new form of plastic pollution. Researchers argue that it is necessary to develop and implement innovative ways to manage and recycle PPE in order to reduce their impacts on the environment. In the present work, we have reviewed and discussed the recent development of sustainable face mask alternatives and recycling and repurposing routes under the COVID-19 pandemic context. Moreover, we have conducted estimations of the daily face mask waste generation in Peru, a developing country struggling with a poor solid waste

SUBMITTER: Torres F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8105123 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature