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

## TL;DR

Using contact precautions for certain bacteria in Los Angeles County creates significant environmental waste and health impacts, suggesting a need for better alternatives.

## Contribution

Quantifies the environmental and health costs of contact precautions for MRSA and VRE in Los Angeles County.

## Key findings

- Contact precautions generate 506 tons of plastic waste annually.
- Gown use results in 1.73 million kg of CO2 emissions and 4.07 disability-adjusted life-years lost.
- Alternatives to current infection prevention methods are needed.

## 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.