Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues. The increased production and disposal of single-use plastics, in particular, continues to overwhelm the world’s ability to deal with them. Research shows plastic pollution to be as prevalent in the global environment as other, more infamous pollutants like lead. While several countries have begun pushing legislation to ban the use of single-use plastics, the medical industry remains heavily reliant on this material. Hygiene and infection control is a top priority in any hospital or medical facility. In this regard, single-use plastics perform a vital role in the medical industry by preventing the spread of bacteria and infectious diseases. Disposable medical tools, such as syringes, drug tests, bandages, and gloves (all of which are typically made from plastics), are a necessity when handling bodily fluids. In the medical research field, plastic pipettes, vials, and sample bags, are also common. Since many of these instruments cannot be reused due to the risk of cross-contamination, single-use plastics are ideal for these applications. In addition to their strength, resilience, and safety, single-use plastics are also preferred due to cost-effectiveness. In an industry where products are tossed out frequently, it is economically feasible to use items made from the cheapest available materials. Healthcare facilities in the U.S. alone generate 3,500 tons of waste every day, accounting for more than 25% of their total daily generated waste. To view the full article visit Thomas.net.
