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Safe the Planet: Facemasks Disposal Due to Covid-19 Pandemics
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This paper examines the surge in disposable face mask waste during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for plastic pollution. The authors discuss environmental impacts and call for improved management of single-use personal protective equipment.
Globally, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a massive increase in the consumption of single-use face masks used for personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent virus transmission. However, improper management of such materials poses a new form of plastic pollution to the sustainability of the environment. This article investigates the public's awareness, particularly amongst the immigrant workers on the methods of facemasks disposal during the pandemic to educating foreigners or immigrant in addressing the negative environmental impact of waste disposal. Furthermore, standardisation, procedures, guidelines, and strict implementation of facemasks management concerning COVID-19, community habitats, and public areas should be carefully considered to mitigate pandemic risks in transmitting the virus. Proper facemasks disposal effectively controls infection sources as well as ensure environmental sustainability.
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