Ways to Treat Infectious Waste
10/12/2021
Other than incineration, there are many ways to deal with infectious waste. Some of these methods include biological, chemical, irradiative, and thermal methods. Continue reading to better understand the different technologies used to treat infectious waste.
Autoclaving
Autoclaving is the most common method. High-pressure steam, which normally has a temperature of 121 to 134 degrees Celsius, treats waste to ensure safe recycling or disposal.
This method is very flexible. Moreover, most hospitals use this to sterilize instruments used for surgery. Autoclaving machines are not hard to operate, keep, and control. Most of these machines utilize electricity, but gas can also be used.
Steaming or Dry Heat
Steaming or dry heat such as electrothermal disinfection, dry heaters, microwaves, and frictional heating is another disinfection method used. These methods do not alter the physical or chemical state of the waste and work at a temperature below 180 degrees Celsius. As a result, little or no pollution is created.
However, volatile chemicals should not be used in this method. That is because these chemicals can be released into the atmosphere.
Chemical Disinfectants
Many technology companies utilize chemical disinfectants. Nevertheless, the pollutants in these disinfectants will be released together with the infectious waste that was treated. Ozone treatment is an exception to this since it breaks down fast into oxygen.
Irradiative and Biological Methods
This method has been tested as a treatment for infectious waste, but it is not used commercially for now. The same goes for biological methods, but biologically breaking down biodigesters and placenta pits have been tested for soft waste.
Conclusion
Finally, you have a better understanding of different ways of treating medical waste infection. Regardless of the method, monitoring is crucial.
Autoclaving
Autoclaving is the most common method. High-pressure steam, which normally has a temperature of 121 to 134 degrees Celsius, treats waste to ensure safe recycling or disposal.
This method is very flexible. Moreover, most hospitals use this to sterilize instruments used for surgery. Autoclaving machines are not hard to operate, keep, and control. Most of these machines utilize electricity, but gas can also be used.
Steaming or Dry Heat
Steaming or dry heat such as electrothermal disinfection, dry heaters, microwaves, and frictional heating is another disinfection method used. These methods do not alter the physical or chemical state of the waste and work at a temperature below 180 degrees Celsius. As a result, little or no pollution is created.
However, volatile chemicals should not be used in this method. That is because these chemicals can be released into the atmosphere.
Chemical Disinfectants
Many technology companies utilize chemical disinfectants. Nevertheless, the pollutants in these disinfectants will be released together with the infectious waste that was treated. Ozone treatment is an exception to this since it breaks down fast into oxygen.
Irradiative and Biological Methods
This method has been tested as a treatment for infectious waste, but it is not used commercially for now. The same goes for biological methods, but biologically breaking down biodigesters and placenta pits have been tested for soft waste.
Conclusion
Finally, you have a better understanding of different ways of treating medical waste infection. Regardless of the method, monitoring is crucial.