The Challenges of Managing Medical Waste
5/23/2020
Across the world, the management of clinical waste is an issue present in health facilities. 10-20% is the allocation of a health facility’s budget for its waste disposal. 15% of the waste generated is either radioactive, infectious, or toxic, while the remaining 85% is a non-hazardous waste.
Although non-hazardous makes up for most of the total generated waste, the hazards of the infectious or dangerous waste need to be considered. Incinerating waste in an open pit can release toxins in the air. Because of this, management must be practiced to ensure the safety of the people and the environment.
Health Dangers
Hazardous waste from hospitals is a possible cause of infection because of the dangerous organisms it has. Unfortunately, the ones at most risk here are the health workers and the patients. Nevertheless, citizens can be negatively affected, as well.
Used syringes and needles can be a source of infection when not disposed of properly. Also, there is a possibility of reusing them unintentionally. Hepatitis B and C and HIV can be transmitted if this happens.
Environmental Dangers
When medical waste is not disposed of or treated correctly, it can cause contamination to the landfill’s groundwater. Furthermore, toxic chemicals can be released in the environment.
Improper incineration of waste can also expose the air to harmful pollutants such as furans and dioxins. These substances have been connected to cancer and other severe health conditions. If heavy metals are incinerated, the toxic metals can be released in the environment as well.
Although non-hazardous makes up for most of the total generated waste, the hazards of the infectious or dangerous waste need to be considered. Incinerating waste in an open pit can release toxins in the air. Because of this, management must be practiced to ensure the safety of the people and the environment.
Health Dangers
Hazardous waste from hospitals is a possible cause of infection because of the dangerous organisms it has. Unfortunately, the ones at most risk here are the health workers and the patients. Nevertheless, citizens can be negatively affected, as well.
Used syringes and needles can be a source of infection when not disposed of properly. Also, there is a possibility of reusing them unintentionally. Hepatitis B and C and HIV can be transmitted if this happens.
Environmental Dangers
When medical waste is not disposed of or treated correctly, it can cause contamination to the landfill’s groundwater. Furthermore, toxic chemicals can be released in the environment.
Improper incineration of waste can also expose the air to harmful pollutants such as furans and dioxins. These substances have been connected to cancer and other severe health conditions. If heavy metals are incinerated, the toxic metals can be released in the environment as well.