Disposal of Biohazards

RESEARCH AREA: Disposal of Biohazards

RESEARCH TOPIC: An evaluation of the procedures used for the disposal of biohazards wastes in the Pathology Department at the San Fernando General Hospital.

INTRODUCTION

Biohazardous waste, also called infectious waste or biomedical waste, is any waste containing infectious materials or potentially infectious substances such as blood. Of special concern are sharp wastes such as needles, blades, glass pipettes, and other wastes that can cause injury during handling. Biohazardous materials present a potential risk to human health within the Laboratory environment if they are not stored, handled and disposed of properly. Some wastes associated with biological materials must be disposed of in special ways because they may have been contaminated with infectious organisms or agents. Each form of Biohazardous waste must be segregated, identified, decontaminated and disposed of in an appropriate manner in order to minimize occupational exposure and environmental release risks. Biohazardous waste in any form should not be left untreated and unsecured in areas that are accessible to the public (i.e., left in hallways). Only lab personnel should remove treated Biohazardous waste from the lab area and transport it to waste holding areas for final disposal. Biohazardous Waste includes:

* Human blood and blood products:

* Human Body Fluids

* Microbiological Waste

* Pathological waste

* Animal waste

* Sharps

Although treatment and disposal of Biohazardous wastes aim at reducing risks, indirect health risks may occur through the release of toxic pollutants into the environment through treatment or disposal. The greatest concern with the disposal of hazardous waste in landfills or injection wells is that toxic substances will leak into surrounding groundwater. Groundwater is a major source of drinking water worldwide and once it is contaminated, pollutants are extremely difficult and costly to remove. In some instances, it is impossible to remove groundwater contamination.

Land filling can potentially result in contamination of drinking water. Occupational risks may be associated with the operation of certain disposal facilities. Inadequate incineration or incineration of materials unsuitable for incineration can result in the release of pollutants into the air. The incineration of materials containing chlorine can generate dioxins and furans3, which are classified as possible human carcinogens and have been associated with a range