Security is now a ‘thorn in the side’ The Daily Star Bangla



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According to an investigative report, around 14,500 tons of hazardous plastic waste have been generated from surgical masks, gloves, bottles of hand sanitizer and polyethylene bags used once in the first month of closure.

Approximately 11.2 percent of these wastes are surgical masks, 21 percent ordinary polyethylene gloves, 20 percent surgical gloves, 40.9 percent disposable polyethylene bags, and 6.4 percent bottles of hand sanitizer.

The study results were released yesterday at an online press conference.

The Organization for Social Development and Environment (ESDO) carried out the study entitled “Covid-19 outbreaks. Increase the amount of disposable plastic waste: without management and protection: creating high risks for health and the environment.”

This study sheds light on hazardous plastic waste generated by the use of plastic safety equipment exclusively by the public and healthcare workers.

The survey, conducted online and by phone from March 26 to April 25, surveyed more than 560 people from different groups.

ESDO Secretary General Shahriar Hossain said: “Medical waste from hospitals and other health care institutions must be collected, stored, transported, treated and destroyed so that they do not increase the risk of infection or contamination.”

He said that if this dangerous plastic waste is disposed of indiscriminately, it could lead to massive environmental pollution.

The eminent environmentalist added that it could help spread other infectious diseases.

“People who work in waste management are at direct risk of becoming infected and can spread further due to a lack of adequate safety measures,” he said.

Due to the crown, the study found that the current trend to increase the use of gloves in urban and rural areas of the country has become clear.

According to the report, around 25 tons of disposable plastic waste have been generated in hospitals in the last month.

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