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The Effect of Medical Waste to Our Environment

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Because the number of people continues to increase, there is also an increase in the need for medical services and care. Besides making sure that people are healthy and treated well, there is also the issue of making sure that medical waste is disposed of in a way that won’t harm people and the environment. Until now, this has been one of the significant environmental issues.

Environmental Effect on the Community

Communities experience the significant impact of various waste disposal method issues. For instance, there are used needles or syringes washed off on the beach shore, which can negatively affect tourism in that area. Another example is the improper disposal of infectious tissues or blood. Therefore, some people say that there is an irony between hospitals, making sure that people are healthy and the dangers their waste makes.

Effects on Air

Medical and regular waste is commonly mixed and burned together in incinerators across many health facilities in the world. The problem is these incinerators are usually in open areas or not hot enough. It contributes to climate change since the carbon dioxide and other harmful elements get into the atmosphere.

Effects on Water

The amount of toxic materials in garbage dumps and landfills is dangerous. Dumping medical waste here increases the damage to the environment. If the landfill is poorly constructed, toxins from this waste can leak into the sources of drinking water. Aside from environmental problems, this can cause further problems and expenses to the affected community.