Fighting Covid-19 the green way: Panjab University developing ways of reusing PPE

CHANDIGARH: Panjab University’s microbiologists are developing methods for reusing personal protective equipment (coverall, mask, respirator, face shield, gown). The set is otherwise discarded as bio hazard after single use.
The department will also validate the PPE kits as decontaminated and pathogen-free. The university’s dean of the faculty of science, Prince Sharma, told TOI about the difficulty of disposing of the PPE kit in hospitals. He said: “Ordinary washing with detergent, alcohol, sanitiser, or bleach doesn’t work, as it defeats the purpose of cleaning.”

He said: “We test methods such as mild heat, UV irradiation, and mild chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for treating masks, respirators, face shield, and gowns for reuse. Another member of the faculty and research team, Naveen Gupta, said: “Heaps of PPE waste accumulated in the past two months of Covid-19 pandemic.”

The disposable surgical masks, gowns, and N95 respirators are made of non-biodegradable polypropylene, polystyrene, or polyethylene. The face shields and goggles are made of polycarbonate or acrylic. Their single use generates tonnes of waste everyday, which has become an environmental hazard like plastic.
Sharma and Gupta, respective president and secretary of the Chandigarh unit of the Association of Microbiologists of India, promote PPE reuse also because it’s economical. They recommend the public to wear the DIY multi-layered cotton masks, as these are washable and reusable.