Healthcare Waste Management Unit 6

Any waste generated from human diagnosis, treatment, or immunization; related research; laboratory animal research; biological product production; or other healthcare facility activities.

10-25% of healthcare waste is considered hazardous, potentially infectious, toxic, or radioactive.

High-income countries generate more healthcare waste, typically 0.5kg per bed per day.

Low-income countries generate less healthcare waste, approximately 0.2 kg per bed each day.

75-90% of average healthcare waste is considered non-hazardous.

Healthcare facilities must avoid health and environmental problems associated with waste from generation to disposal.

Hospitals, medical centers, infirmaries, birthing homes, and various medical/ambulatory clinics.

Healthcare waste can be separated into categories like infectious, toxic, or radioactive wastes, but also non-hazardous waste.

Discarded chemicals used in healthcare settings, including cleaning, disinfecting, and lab work.

Chemical waste with at least one hazardous property, such as toxicity, corrosiveness, flammability, reactivity, or oxidizing potential.

Chemical waste that can harm biological tissue.

Chemical waste that can cause severe burns, usually with a pH below 1 or above 12.

Chemical waste that easily ignites at normal working temperatures, with a flashpoint below 37.8 degrees Celsius.

Chemical waste that reacts dangerously when exposed to heat, pressure, shock, friction, catalysts, air, or water.

Chemical waste that readily releases oxidizing substances, causing other chemicals to react chemically.

Expired, split, or contaminated pharmaceutical products, including drugs, vaccines, and sera.

Waste that can damage DNA, potentially causing mutations, birth defects, or cancer.

Waste that is toxic to cells, potentially leading to cell death or damage.

Waste that may contain pathogens or toxins that can cause disease in a susceptible host.

Cultures and stocks of infectious agents from laboratory work.

Waste that includes tissue sections, body fluids, or organs from biopsies, autopsies, or surgeries.

Waste items that can cause cuts, pricks, or punctures.

Sharps have the highest potential for causing injury and infection.

Hazardous medical waste

Nursing homes.

To prevent health and environmental problems associated with waste.

Non-hazardous waste.

Cultures and stocks of infectious agents, animal research waste, drug testing waste.

Healthcare waste can harm individuals, potentially causing injuries or infections. It can also spread drug-resistant microorganisms into the environment.

Exposure to healthcare waste can be chronic (long-term, low amounts) or acute (short-term, high amounts).

Improper handling of healthcare waste can lead to various health problems, including injuries, toxic exposure, and even contamination of water sources.

Incinerating healthcare waste, if not done correctly, can release pollutants into the air and generate ash residue.

Following strict standards for managing healthcare waste protects patients, staff, and the environment, and ensures compliance with regulations.

Waste materials contaminated with radioactive substances like cobalt, technetium, iodine, or iridium. These materials can have harmful genotoxic effects.

Waste that does not pose a threat to health or the environment. It can be divided into recyclable, biodegradable, and residual waste.

Materials that can be processed and used again, such as paper products, aluminum, plastics, glass, and wood.

Materials that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms, such as kitchen waste, leftover food, flowers, and garden waste.

General waste that doesn't fit into the categories of recyclable or biodegradable, such as plastic bags, diapers, and tissues.

Healthcare waste, especially hazardous types, can negatively impact human health and the environment if not managed properly.

A coordinated approach to handle healthcare waste effectively, from generation to disposal, minimizing risks to people and the environment.

Healthcare workers, patients, and communities are all at risk from improperly managed healthcare waste, particularly hazardous types.