Effects Of Biomedical Waste On The Environment And Medical Waste DONT’S
It is probably safe to assume that most people already know that the waste that humans create can really harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Unfortunately, waste is something that is unavoidable. There will be waste associated with everything. When you eat you create waste, when you go to the bathroom you create waste, and when you travel back and forth to work, you create waste. The key is to try to reduce your footprint and do everything that you can to reduce your waste. What about medical waste? This is another waste that is unavoidable, but what kinds of effects does it have on the environment?
What is Biomedical Waste
When you hear someone refer to biomedical waste they are actually talking about any type of waste that is created during the diagnostic process, the treatment of a condition or disease, or immunizations of humans or animals. This could also include a variety of research activities or processes that involve biological testing. Simply put, it is any type of waste that contains material that could potentially be infected with hazardous properties. Such waste could really have a negative impact on the environment and healthcare facilities should make sure that they are doing everything possible to dispose of this waste properly.
The Effects On The Environment
The scariest thing about biomedical waste is that it really creates a domino effect. For instance, if a nearby water stream or lake is exposed to biomedical waste then any human or animal that comes into contact with that water will be exposed. And, then any animal or individual that comes into contact with the exposed individual could also get infected. This type of spreading could go on and on until millions of people are exposed. While there are tons of different types of private healthcare facilities, they are all posing a potential threat if they aren’t disposing of their waste properly. Anyone exposed to biomedical waste could experience lung infections, parasitic infections, skin infections, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, bacteremia, cholera, and tuberculosis.
Never Move Your Medical Waste
There are times when healthcare facilities switch locations. Maybe they are moving to a facility with more room. Maybe they are looking for a more centralized location. Whatever the situation is, they will likely want to take everything they can with them. Well, if your facility changes locations, you should not take medical waste along with you. A properly permitted medical waste hauler will have to transport such waste.
Don’t Mix Certain Substances
There are certain chemicals and materials that medical waste should never come into contact with. Such substances are aerosols, alcohol, and chemicals. All of these substances need to disposed of in a different location away from the medical waste.
Containers Must Be Sealed
No facility should every leave medical waste containers unsealed or unguarded. Such containers should be sealed and stored in secure locations. You never want these containers to be knocked over or accessed by some unknowing individual. Taking these precautions will ensure the safety of your facility and the environment.
