With the advance of the pandemic, scientific studies that seek to discover the specificities of the new coronavirus, in addition to more effective forms of prevention and treatments, have been intensified. Despite this, the information available about the disease is still limited. In this context, social distance and the strengthening of hygiene measures have proved to be great allies in the coronavirus prevention.

Therefore, in a scenario in which the spread of COVID-19 is accelerating more and more, avoiding the sharing of objects of personal use is essential to stop the contagion of the coronavirus. For this reason, “single use” materials have become even more essential.

 

The use of plastic to avoid contamination

This material has played an extremely relevant role for the health area for a long time. The use of plastic has a satisfactory performance in reducing the risk of infections and simplifying the procedures performed in this segment, as is the case with disposable syringes, surgical gloves, intravenous tubes and catheters, among others. 

To prevent contamination by the new coronavirus, the benefits are even greater. The possibility of disposing of single-use products, provided it is done properly, is a great alternative. Furthermore, researchers from UFSCar developed a plastic film capable of eliminating microorganisms housed on surfaces, using the same raw material that we use in Alpfilm products. Now, in partnership with USP, they are testing whether this substance is capable of killing the COVID-2.

 

Plastic as a measure of coronavirus prevention

In addition to offering benefits to the health and technology sectors, plastic can be easily used by anyone as a coronavirus prevention measure. Check out our tips!

# 1 - Keep your cell phone isolated

In times of pandemic, little care is required. Therefore, cell phones must be sanitized frequently. Remember that alcohol gel is not recommended for cleaning electronics. This is because the water in its formula can oxidize parts of the device. Isopropyl alcohol is the most suitable solution for this cleaning.

To keep your cell phone isolated, when you leave the house, you need to wrap it with a piece of plastic film. But when answering a call, remove the protection from the device. Thus, you avoid contact of the mouth and nose with the plastic surface, which may be contaminated. 

# 2 - Prevent your car from becoming a transmission vector 

Although they are not conducive to the proliferation of the coronavirus, the surfaces can become vehicles of transmission, carrying the virus from one person to another. Therefore, before getting in and after getting out of your car, clean your hands with gel alcohol. In addition, you can wrap the steering wheel with plastic wrap to ensure it is insulated.

# 3 - Protect card machines

For those who work with delivered, payment by credit or debit is more secure than receiving cash. However, card machines can also become vectors of transmission. To protect yourself, cover the device with plastic film and clean after each delivery. This same preventive measure works for supermarket cashiers and other commercial establishments.

# 4 - Pay attention to packaging

The packaging of the products we buy can become vehicles of transmission if they are handled by infected people. Therefore, after going to the market, cleaning them with soap and water is very important. But, to ensure even more safety and practicality in this process, replace the plastic packaging with bags zip lock.

 

But what to do with all that plastic?

You must be wondering if using all this plastic is not harmful to the environment, is it not? The answer is that, by disposing of it correctly, it can be recycled and used as raw material for new products, preventing its accumulation in nature.

It is worth remembering that there are no records that prove the survival of the new coronavirus, for many days, in the plastic material. Therefore, to do your part, separate the packaging for selective collection or dispose of it at recycling points, when we can return to the streets. Now, stay at home as much as you can!

 

In combating the pandemic, plastic has proved to be a great ally. After all, the hygiene and disposability characteristic of “single use” products contribute to the coronavirus prevention. However, to avoid negative impacts on the environment, these materials need to be disposed of properly. Did you like the tips? Also find out how properly dispose of your plastic film for recycling.