Before COVID-19, the acronym PPE was not known by most people. Industrial workers, first responders, and healthcare workers are familiar with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) because they use it every day. However, on an ordinary day, using the PPE acronym in a conversation, usually required some sort of explanation:
“Well, you know, PPE are safety products that protect people when they’re working… like gloves, goggles, hard hats, and face masks.”