Page 129 - Energy from Toxic Organic Waste for Heat and Power Generation

Health Hazards of Medical Waste and its Disposal 111

In 2015, a joint WHO/UNICEF assessment found that just over half
(58%) of sampled facilities from 24 countries had adequate systems in place
for the safe disposal of health-care waste.

8.5.5 Environmental Impact
Treatment and disposal of health-care waste may pose health risks indirectly
through the release of pathogens and toxic pollutants into the environment.
▪ Landfills can contaminate drinking water if they are not properly
constructed. Occupational risks exist at disposal facilities that are not
well-designed, run, or maintained.
▪ Incineration of waste has been widely practised, but inadequate incin-
eration or the incineration of unsuitable materials results in the release
of pollutants into the air and of ash residue. Incinerated materials con-
taining chlorine can generate dioxins and furans, which are human car-
cinogens and have been associated with a range of adverse health effects.
Incineration of heavy metals or materials with high-metal content (in
particular lead, mercury, and cadmium) can lead to the spread of toxic
metals in the environment.
▪ Only modern incinerators operating at 850–1100°C and fitted with
special gas-cleaning equipment are able to comply with the interna-
tional emission standards for dioxins and furans.
▪ Alternatives to incineration are now available, such as autoclaving, mi-
crowaving, steam treatment integrated with internal mixing, and chem-
ical treatment.

8.5.6 Waste Management: Reasons for Failure
Lack of awareness about the health hazards related to health-care waste,
inadequate training in proper waste management, absence of waste man-
agement and disposal systems, insufficient financial and human resources,
and the low priority given to the topic are the most common problems
connected with health-care waste. Many countries either do not have ap-
propriate regulations, or do not enforce them.

8.5.7 Treatment Alternatives for Infectious Medical Waste

1. Thermal destruction (incineration)
2. Chemical treatment
3. Stem-based treatment (autoclaving)
4. Microwave
5. Shredding (during/after treatment), compacting, and landfill