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Environmental and human health impact of contact precaution use for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in Los Angeles County
Summary
Researchers found that contact precaution protocols for drug-resistant bacteria in Los Angeles County hospitals consume 7.3 million plastic gowns annually, generating 506 tons of plastic waste and over 1.7 million kg of CO2 equivalents, prompting calls for alternative infection prevention strategies.
In LA County, contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus require 7.3 million gowns annually generating 506 tons of plastic waste and 1.73 million kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents, which cause the loss of 4.07 disability-adjusted life-years. Unintended consequences of gown use necessitates exploration of infection prevention alternatives.