← All Posts


Why Should We Be Strict With Disposing of Medical Waste?

1 26

An estimated 13 pounds of medical waste per hospital bed are being produced every year in the US. Without the proper disposal of medical waste, hazardous fluids and materials can potentially cause serious harm to the surrounding community and the environment.

Medical waste, without proper disposal, can spread diseases, bring negative impacts to wildlife, and pollute the water systems.

This article breaks down some of the biggest reasons medical facilities strictly should impose proper medical waste disposal.

  

#1: Medical Waste is Extremely Dangerous in Various Ways

  • Blood, animal waste, bodily fluids, bandages, and disposable equipment are highly infectious.
  • Sharp or broken objects such as needles, broken glass, syringes, and blades can easily injure people and animals.
  • Disinfectants, solvents, heavy metals, and batteries from medical equipment may contain hazardous chemicals.
  • Radiotherapy materials are highly radioactive.
  • Substances that are used in cancer treatments can be highly genotoxic.
  • Medical waste may also include contaminated, unused, or expired medications.
  •   

    #2: Improper Medical Waste Can Put The Surrounding Environment and Community in Danger

     

    Medical waste often ends up in landfills which can immediately put the people living near the area at risk. In addition, the hazardous substances from medical waste can also linger in the air, water, and land.

      

    #3: Improper Medical Waste Disposal Can Contaminate Water Systems

    Without the strict implementation of proper disposal, medical waste can easily make its way into the water systems. As a result, the humans who utilize the affected water systems are at a higher risk of consuming contaminated water.

      

    Conclusion

    Proper disposal of medical waste is crucial, particularly in ensuring the health and safety of anyone living near the disposal sites.