Rubber gloves found strewn across island
SURGICAL GLOVES have been found fly-tipped in abundance across the island and its beaches.
Natural latex is biodegradable, but often latex products such as gloves and balloons are treated with chemicals to ensure durability and functionality.
Branded as disposable, these treated products can take more than six years to decompose and chemicals leach out in the process.
‘Wombler’ Sam Reoch said: ‘I’ve seen lots discarded on the roads and in hedges and I have received comments of them being seen all around the island.
‘I only walk around my area due to lockdown but we do sometimes drive to clean a beach as our daily exercise.’
Gloves washing ashore are a common sight for the beach-cleaning community founder.
In her litter-picking Facebook group an album of nearly 300 images shows how many gloves were found in recent years.
‘Sadly, rubber gloves are a regular occurrence washing up but the volume has increased.
‘They come from the land via winds or storm drains and they come off boats. A sad sight and potential hazard to all.’
During the coronavirus pandemic many reports have been made about personal protective equipment misuse.
Used appropriately, PPE should reduce the risk of contamination.
If latex gloves have Covid-19 on their surface then fly-tipping increases the risk of spread.
Because surgical gloves are associated with contamination, others may be prevented from disposing of them.
Another ‘Wombler’, Val Le Cras, saw a pair around Cobo some six feet away from a bin.
‘I was saddened to see them but felt it too risky to pick them up.’
Andrew Walker saw a dozen along Les Banques towards the Bridge.
Alison Tostevin saw gloves everywhere while walking near Les Effards, ‘in pairs mostly, not that far apart'.
‘Almost as if the same trip daily and being thrown out a vehicle,’ she said.
Michelle Austen said she saw around five pairs near Les Genats, all blue.
‘I don’t see the point of people wearing them if they just throw them outside,’ she said.
To dispose of latex gloves, people should decontaminate them and bag them separately before putting them in a bin.
