Years ago, I was severely burned in a chemical spill, and the experience changed my life — in more ways than one.
Rising global temperatures rely on more laboratory work and medical breakthroughs as new species of infectious diseases emerge. This situation requires more frontline workers than ever to have the best PPE. Unfortunately, the failure of traditional PPE to be effective and sustainable creates more operation risks and waste pollution. To break this cycle, we must consider alternative options to reduce medical waste while creating a safer world for our healthcare workers.
For one, more sustainable materials are being used to produce PPE, helping eliminate PFAS, known as “forever chemicals.” Prolonged exposure to PFAS through the skin was shown to negatively affect health outcomes, including changes in cholesterol and liver enzyme levels, changes in infant birth weight, changes in the immune system, and responses to certain vaccines.