Which of the following is true regarding the disposal of used personal protective equipment?

When dealing with used personal protective equipment (PPE) in the context of asbestos handling and monitoring, it is crucial to follow strict disposal protocols to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. The correct assertion is that PPE must be thrown away after use. This is primarily due to the inherent risk of contamination and exposure that these materials pose.

Asbestos is a hazardous material that can lead to serious health issues if fibers are inhaled. Once PPE has been used in a potentially contaminated environment, it may carry asbestos fibers or other hazardous substances. Therefore, disposing of it improperly, such as in regular trash or attempting to clean and reuse it, could expose workers, waste handlers, and the general public to these dangers.

Regulatory guidelines typically mandate that used PPE must be disposed of as hazardous waste. This ensures that the materials are handled by trained professionals in controlled environments that minimize exposure risks, adhering to health and safety regulations. By discarding the PPE after its use, it mitigates the possibility of mechanical dispersion of asbestos fibers into the environment and protects public health.