The researchers divided PPE into three categories: body protection, eye protection and respiratory protection. They used openLCA software to analyze and compare life cycle assessments of different kinds of gowns, visors, respirators and surgical masks. A life cycle assessment measures environmental impact at all stages of production, use and disposal across 13 categories. The group published its findings that showed that environmental impact varies based on PPE materials, country of origin, method of transportation and disposal process.1 They suggest that their study results can help inform dental clinics’ future PPE procurement decisions. The study concludes that the environmental impact of PPE could be reduced through using less damaging domestic products and increased use of reusables. “The selection of PPE that are reusable and made of recyclable materials can help to minimize the environmental impact and reduce environmental resource depletion,” the study says. The authors also suggest that the health care sector could require that PPE be made of recyclable materials, especially for large products such as gowns. Old reusable gowns could also be recycled to make new ones. “I’m particularly interested in how to make health care systems environmentally sustainable and, in turn, reduce population harm,” says Dr. Duane. “Much of my work involves evaluating different types of health care in order to find the system that provides optimal healthcare with the least environmental impact.” Reference: 1. Almutairi W, Saget S, Mc Donnell J, Tarnowski A, Johnstone M, Duane B. The planetary health effects of COVID-19 in dental care: a life cycle assessment approach. Br Dent J. 2022;233(4):309-16. The selection of PPE that are reusable and made of recyclable materials can help to minimize the environmental impact and reduce environmental resource depletion. 19 Issue 1 | 2023 | Issues and People
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