What is medical waste?

Medical waste is a solid waste created by the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of people or animals. It can also be a product of research and testing biological products. This term is defined specifically by the 1988 medical waste monitoring Act. Two million tonnes of medical waste are produced each year. Most of them come from hospitals, but other sources include physician surgeries, dental practices, research facilities, laboratories and veterinary firms. Companies that produce pharmacies also produce a high amount of this waste. The environmental protection agency (EPA) states that approximately 15 percent of the waste is infectious. Infectious waste is one that can cause damage to people or the environment, and this category includes items such as bandages, surgical gloves, surgical instruments, needles and microbial food, cultures and substances. Other types include waste found in garbage, such as paper or plastic.

Infectious waste must be managed andIncluded to prevent the spread of infection, toxins and pollutants. If these materials penetrate the body, they can lead to serious diseases. For medical organizations, pharmaceutical companies, veterinary practices and other such environments, detention and safe transport of biomedical waste are required.

Medical waste should be stored in airtight containers located in cold, dark places such as a refrigerator. The lid on the container should be resistant to leakage and cannot be pierced and the container should be properly labeled and labeled as Biohazard material. Disinfectants should be placed in close proximity to the waste if there is an escape. Everything that comes into contact with this waste should be considered as medical waste and treated with sow.

The disposal of medical waste is regulated by the Act on the Protection and Restoration of Resources (RCRA). MostIna from this regulated medical waste goes to one of 2 400 incinerators in the United States. At temperatures from 650 to 900 degrees Celsius (1202 to 1652 degrees Fahrenheit) the waste is burned. However, these incinerators are a health risk because they release pollutants such as carbon monoxide, lead and mercury into the air.

Another option for the disposal of certain types of biomedical waste is to place them in landfills. However, these use valuable sources of the country and scientists are afraid that there will be no space in landfills. Those in charge of medical waste management work on the development of alternative liquidation methods that do not pose health or environmental threats.