AN increase in the improper disposal of gloves and face masks has been registered in public places, car parks and coastal areas, the GDN’s Reem Al Daaysi reported today.

Since the global outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) there has been a rush among citizens and residents in Bahrain to purchase surgical masks, protective gloves and sanitisers within efforts to self-protect against the pandemic.

However, discarded gloves and masks have been found on coasts, randomly strewn in public spaces, on the ground in commercial malls or placed in open bins.

This has promoted environmentalists, including the Animal and Environment Protection Charity Organisation (AEPCO), to raise an alarm over pollution caused due to the pandemic.

AEPCO president Shaikha Marwa bint Abdulrahman Al Khalifa urged the public to properly discard the items in order to prevent an increase in pollution and dumped waste.

“With the current Covid-19 outbreak, more people are wearing masks and gloves in Bahrain,” she told the GDN .

“However, it is disappointing that people are discarding gloves and masks across the country instead of disposing of them in bins or at medical waste sites.

“Not only is this wrong but once face masks are left as marine debris they pollute our shores and can be mistaken as food by marine life inhabiting our local seas.”

She explained that once ingested by marine animals, the discarded masks and gloves can block their digestive system leading to their death.

She also added that in addition to the environmental pollution the discarded gloves and masks could lead to health risks if improperly discarded.

“Although medical experts stated that single-use surgical masks are an effective measure to prevent the spread of infections transmitted by respiratory droplets, such as Covid-19, they have stressed that face masks must be disposed of properly after use,” she said.

“Soiled tissues and used face masks must be thrown away in a lidded bin to ensure that germs are not left to spread.

“When disposing gloves, they must be turned inside out and as for masks you should pour boiling water on them before disposing of them separately.”

Her concerns were shared by Northern Municipal Council member Dr Sayed Shubbar Al Wedaie, who said he was appalled by the “irresponsible behaviour shown by some during these difficult times”.

He told the GDN that he was shocked when he found a pair of gloves disposed of near his vehicle parked at a mall – warning against potential threats associated with improper disposal and lack of awareness.

“People are wearing these gloves and masks to protect themselves from a deadly virus which could potentially transfer to the glove from any surface that is touched which makes them contaminated and not regular waste,” said Dr Al Wedaie, who is also an environmental expert.

“Disposing of these contaminated gloves improperly contributes to spreading the virus and contaminating the place the gloves were thrown.

“The government is sparing no effort in combating Covid-19 and these irresponsible behaviour of individuals are counteracting national efforts – this is wrong and irresponsible.”

He urged the public to step up their moral responsibilities and awareness by disposing of used gloves and masks properly.