Incineration of medical waste is a common practice in the healthcare sector. It is used to dispose of hazardous waste produced by healthcare establishments. However, behind this apparently effective waste management method lie environmental and health risks that are unknown to the general public.

The hidden risks of medical waste incineration

Incineration of medical waste, a method of managing hospital waste, can present risks, particularly to health, requiring urgent transport to the hospital.

Emissions of toxic products

Toxic products can be released into the air. Around 80% of waste from healthcare activities with infectious risks (Dasri) is incinerated in special facilities. Even with suitable incinerators, emissions of toxic products remain possible. These products include dioxins, furans, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants.

The impact on air quality

Incineration of medical waste can also affect air quality. Medical waste incinerators burn smaller quantities of materials at lower temperatures, which can cause incomplete combustion. This combustion can generate byproducts, including fly and bottom ash, which are emitted into the air.

Health risks

Medical waste also poses health risks. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross‘s medical waste management manual, hazardous medical waste can cause health risks, whether through incineration, uncontrolled dumping or discharge of sewage. untreated. Hospital and clinic workers in Rhode Island and elsewhere who handle this waste may also be at risk.

The environmental impact of medical waste

Treatment techniques, such as incineration and pre-treatment, are used to mitigate the risks associated with their disposal. However, these methods can also cause damage to the environment.

The atmospheric pollution

Incineration of medical waste can release toxic substances into the air, such as dioxins, furans, heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants. These substances have harmful impacts on human health and the environment. Dioxins and furans have been particularly associated with cancer, birth defects and immune system problems.

Pre-treatment of medical waste can also impact air quality, generating emissions of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, during transport and processing.

Water contamination

Medical waste can contaminate groundwater and drinking water sources. Chemicals and medicines discarded in this waste can disperse into rivers, lakes and oceans, endangering marine life and human health.

Additionally, medical waste may contain pathogenic microorganisms, such as viruses and bacteria, which can spread through the environment, causing illness in humans and animals.

Preventive measures and alternative solutions

Source reduction is the essential first step in minimizing the risks associated with medical waste incineration. It involves limiting the quantity of waste produced from the outset by favoring materials that are less harmful to the environment. Hospitals and clinics can implement practices such as reusing materials, reducing packaging, and promoting recycling.

Several alternative medical waste treatment techniques can reduce the risks associated with incineration, including:

• steam sterilization: uses water vapor to sterilize medical waste without producing toxic gases
• autoclave: uses heat and pressure to sterilize medical waste, although it can generate toxic gases
• microwaves: uses microwaves to sterilize medical waste without producing toxic gases
• anaerobic digestion: involves the use of bacteria to break down medical waste, thereby reducing the amount of waste produced and potentially generating biogas as an energy source

By adopting measures to mitigate the risks associated with medical waste incineration in Providence, RI, we can help preserve human health and the environment. Furthermore, in the event of a health problem requiring emergency transport, you can click here for help.