Environmental and human health impact of contact precaution use for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus in Los Angeles County

Abstract

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.