Polymethylmethacrylate as a protective shield against pathogens
As you should remember that among the main recommendations issued by the World Health Organization to prevent people from becoming infected with coronavirus in the past, biosecurity measures include the use of masks or mouth masks, frequent hand washing and social distancing.
However, as governments seek new strategies to safely revive their economic and social activities, new biosecurity measures are being adopted week after week.
Fig. 2 Polymethylmethacrylate or Plexiglas by its trade name has historically been used to manufacture structures in the form of plastic sheets or screens. Image of public domain, Author: Peggy Marco, 2016
In this regard, it should be emphasized that among the new biosecurity measures being adopted to prevent Coronavirusinfections, the most widely used in developed countries is the use of protective plastic shields based on polymethylmethacrylate, also known as acrylic or acrylic glass.
The trade name of Polymethylmethacrylate is Plexiglas, these are structures in the form of plastic sheets or screens that help combat the spread of Coronavirus, and is currently being used extensively as the main biosecurity measure mainly in European countries, it is worth mentioning that at the end of last year this type of plastic material began to be used to develop protective shields specifically for students, workers, and customers.
Fig. 3 Polymethylmethacrylate is currently used to produce protective shields against Covid-19. Image of public domain, Author: Peggy Marco, 2016
It is intuitive that the widespread use of Polymethylmethacrylate can be extended on a global scale, because they represent an extremely versatile strategy by acting as a biosafety barrier element that prevents contact between people.
BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES CONSULTED:
[1] Lopez J Europe ethanol, IPA, PMMA sheets are bright spots in gloomy coronavirus world. Article: Online access
[2] Charles R Protective barriers against COVID-19 – what’s behind the screen?. Article: Online access