Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samantha B. Kasloff, Anders Leung, James E. Strong, Duane Funk, Todd Cutts
Summary: The study provides the first comprehensive assessment of SARS-CoV-2 stability on experimentally contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) widely used by healthcare workers and the general public. Results showed that the virus can persist for up to 21 days on certain materials, while rapidly degrading on cotton fabric within 24 hours. These findings highlight the importance of proper handling of contaminated PPE in high-risk settings and suggest the potential utility of cotton in limiting COVID-19 transmission.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shunji Ishiwata, Taishi Hibino, Tomoe Sakashita, Manami Nishioka, Tomomi Inoue, Takeshi Kotake
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the applicability of ozone gas for on-site disinfection of PPE. The results showed that ozone gas could be used for on-site disinfection of PPE in a closed box, such as a locker. This finding is valuable during a pandemic when PPE is in short supply.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cervantee E. K. Wild, Hailey Wells, Nicolene Coetzee, Cameron C. Grant, Trudy A. Sullivan, Jose G. B. Derraik, Yvonne C. Anderson
Summary: This study examined the acceptability of PPE disinfection and reuse among healthcare workers in New Zealand during the first wave of COVID-19. The findings showed that PPE reuse was common and most participants supported the concept of PPE disinfection for potential reuse, although acceptance varied depending on the type of PPE. Meaningful engagement and clear communication with healthcare workers are crucial for the success of future PPE reuse programs.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taylor A. M. Wolffe, Anna Clinton, Andrew Robinson, Louis Turrell, Anna A. Stec
Summary: This study investigated the personal protective equipment (PPE) of UK firefighters and found that most firefighters remove contaminated gear inside the fire truck. The frequency of cleaning the gear is related to seniority, length of service, and fire attendance frequency. In addition, storage of the gear poses a potential risk of cross-contamination.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fangzhou Liu, Bruce Rittmann, Saachi Kuthari, Wen Zhang
Summary: This study incorporated microwave-enabled catalysis into membrane filtration and evaluated viral removal using a model bacteriophage (MS2) as a surrogate. The findings showed that microwave irradiation effectively penetrated the PTFE membrane module and enabled surface oxidation reactions on the membrane-coated catalysts, resulting in strong germicidal effects. A log removal of 2.6 was achieved for MS2 within a contact time as low as 20 s using 125-W microwave irradiation. This research provides new insights to the antiviral mechanisms of this microwave-enabled catalytic membrane filtration.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Alireza Saidi, Chantal Gauvin, Safa Ladhari, Phuong Nguyen-Tri
Summary: Smart textile technologies can help address thermal stress issues in workplaces, enhancing wearer comfort and safety to reduce the risk of accidents. By using smart protective equipment, performance and efficiency of workers can be improved.
Article
Microbiology
Maria Bartolomeu, Marcia Braz, Pedro Costa, Joao Duarte, Carla Pereira, Adelaide Almeida
Summary: This study investigates the use of UV irradiation systems to disinfect phage phi 6 virus and finds that both systems effectively inactivate the virus. The effectiveness of inactivation varies depending on the material of surfaces and personal protective equipment, with glass needing the least time for inactivation and disposable surgical and FFP2 masks showing the best performance.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Dhanya Venkataraman, Elnaz Shabani, Jay H. Park
Summary: This article critically examines the current state of nonwoven PPE fabrics, discussing the manufacturing of fibers and their bonding methods, as well as the integration of each fabric layer into textiles and their use as PPE. It also addresses the challenges of single-use nonwoven PPEs and explores emerging solutions to address sustainability issues with material and processing innovations.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Yu Zhang, Man Hu, Junwu Wang, Pingchuan Wang, Pengzhi Shi, Wenjie Zhao, Xin Liu, Qing Peng, Bo Meng, Xinmin Feng, Liang Zhang
Summary: COVID-19 has emerged as a global public health threat, and studying the use of PPE and scientific influence is crucial in overcoming the pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Elham Jafari, Mansoureh Togha, Hossein Kazemizadeh, Samaneh Haghighi, Somayeh Nasergivehchi, Mohammad Saatchi, Shadi Ariyanfar
Summary: This study found that headache after using PPE is common among healthcare workers, with a prevalence rate of 72.4%. N95 mask was the most commonly reported cause of headache (41%), and headache was more common in females. Increased heart rate was significantly associated with headache due to mask use.
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Amanda Danielle Wollitz, Christine Hong, Fernando Blanco
Summary: To ensure the continued availability of sterile compounded products during the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmacy department has devised a plan for conserving personal protective equipment (PPE). This plan includes various conservation strategies such as staffing changes, communication, training adjustments, and reuse of select PPE, to ensure uninterrupted supply of compounded medications. Early planning and implementation of conservation strategies are crucial to ensure PPE availability for the compounding of sterile products.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH-SYSTEM PHARMACY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Nkemjika Abiakam, Peter Worsley, Hemalatha Jayabal, Kay Mitchell, Michaela Jones, Jacqui Fletcher, Fran Spratt, Dan Bader
Summary: The study found that prolonged use of personal protective equipment (PPE) can lead to various adverse skin reactions among healthcare workers, particularly in different facial locations such as the bridge of the nose and ears. Improvement in guidelines for PPE usage to protect skin health is recommended, along with modifications to PPE designs to accommodate different face shapes and select appropriate materials to enhance device safety.
INTERNATIONAL WOUND JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Diana Silva, Rita Rocha, Carla Joana Silva, Helena Barroso, Joao Botelho, Vanessa Machado, Jose Joao Mendes, Joao Oliveira, Monica Loureiro, Ana C. Marques, Eduardo Alves, Ana Paula Serro
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using gamma irradiation to sterilize textile materials for PPE production, finding that some materials could withstand at least 20 cycles of sterilization without significant morphological or structural changes. These results provide the possibility of more time to refill supply stocks in case of an emergency event such as a pandemic outbreak.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Jesus de la Torre Bayo, Maria Angeles Martin-Lara, Monica Calero Hoces, Pedro Miguel Sanchez Castillo, Hector J. Pula, Montserrat Zamorano
Summary: Using science mapping, we analyzed the increasing number of scientific documents on the negative environmental impacts of PPE waste, particularly face masks, used for reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. India, China, and Canada emerged as leaders in this research field, focusing on environmental issues and engineering solutions. Our analysis highlighted the significant negative effects of PPE waste on aquatic ecosystems, greenhouse gas emissions, and wildlife. To address these impacts, innovative ecodesign strategies for green production, reuse, and recycling, as well as collaboration with the public to reduce waste at its source, are essential. Implementing a collective, extended producer responsibility system for PPE can ensure sustainable production and consumption, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xinyang Jin, Feng Gao, Mingxin Qin, Yunpeng Yu, Yue Zhao, Tianyi Shao, Cai Chen, Wenhua Zhang, Bin Xie, Yujie Xiong, Lihua Yang, Yuen Wu
Summary: Commercial personal protective equipment (PPE) is unable to effectively inactivate microbes in the intercepted droplets/aerosols, making used PPE a potential source of cross-contamination. By incorporating oxidase-like catalysts into PPE, it becomes possible to inactivate bacteria in the intercepted droplets/aerosols without any external stimuli. This approach is applicable to different types of PPE and provides a feasible global solution for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Molly Patrick, Yegerem Tsige, Ahmed Adow, Mohamed Abdirashid, Hassan Yunis, David Githiri, Erin Hulland, Jennifer Murphy, Patricia Akers, Travis W. Brown, Curtis Blanton, Thomas Handzel
Summary: The study in a refugee camp in Ethiopia found high levels of acceptance and satisfaction with UDDTs, especially in the second survey. Satisfaction with UDDTs was associated with factors such as previous use of pit latrines, owning a clean UDDT, longer stay in the camp, not sharing the UDDT, and longer duration of using the UDDT.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shanna Miko, Jennifer R. Cope, Michele C. Hlavsa, Ibne Karim M. Ali, Travis W. Brown, Jennifer P. Collins, Rebecca D. Greeley, Amy M. Kahler, Kathleen O. Moore, Alexis V. Roundtree, Shantanu Roy, Lacey L. Sanders, Vaidehi Shah, Haylea D. Stuteville, Mia C. Mattioli
Summary: In September 2018, a 29-year-old man died of primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) after surfing in an artificial surf venue in Texas. Investigation revealed the presence of N. fowleri and thermophilic amebae in recreational water and sediment samples throughout the facility. Codes and standards could be developed for treated recreational water venues to address the potential risks highlighted by this case.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Travis W. Brown, Geun W. Park, Beth Wittry, Leslie Barclay, Margaret Person, Boris Relja, Scott Daly, Preeti Chhabra, Erin Kincaid, Jona Johnson, Ausaf Ahmad, Owen Herzegh, Jan Vinje, Jennifer Murphy
Summary: While frequently touched surfaces in grocery stores might play a role in COVID-19 transmission, the risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 appears to be low. However, more frequent cleaning of surfaces in pharmacy and self-service food courts may be warranted.
