Examples of Harmful Medical Waste
4/27/2021
Hospitals generate two kinds of waste. It is either harmful or without risk. Harmful medical wastes are those that impose hazards or potential risks not just to the institution itself but also to everyone inside it. That is why there is a need to elucidate what it means and what substances belong in this type to inhibit its risks.
Here are some examples of harmful medical wastes in hospitals.
Corrosive medical waste
Corrosive materials are aqueous that is either highly alkaline or acidic. A substance will be considered hazardous when it reaches a pH above 12.5 or just below 2.
Some medical wastes that have corrosive properties are composed of acids and bases. These are used in hospitals so proper disposal should be critically observed.
Toxic medical waste
Medical waste is toxic when it poses damage to the health of an individual, particularly if it goes inside the body.
It includes chemicals used in treatments of diseases like drugs used in chemotherapy and specifically called genotoxic. There are also areas in the hospitals built with heavy metals containing lead that are toxic. This place is where mostly X-rays and CT scans are performed, thus, suggesting higher risk.
Medical waste that ignites
There is a difference between the flammability and ignitability of a material. While medical waste that is flammable is not necessarily harmful, medical waste with an ignitable property has a hazardous effect.
Here are some examples of harmful medical wastes in hospitals.
Corrosive medical waste
Corrosive materials are aqueous that is either highly alkaline or acidic. A substance will be considered hazardous when it reaches a pH above 12.5 or just below 2.
Some medical wastes that have corrosive properties are composed of acids and bases. These are used in hospitals so proper disposal should be critically observed.
Toxic medical waste
Medical waste is toxic when it poses damage to the health of an individual, particularly if it goes inside the body.
It includes chemicals used in treatments of diseases like drugs used in chemotherapy and specifically called genotoxic. There are also areas in the hospitals built with heavy metals containing lead that are toxic. This place is where mostly X-rays and CT scans are performed, thus, suggesting higher risk.
Medical waste that ignites
There is a difference between the flammability and ignitability of a material. While medical waste that is flammable is not necessarily harmful, medical waste with an ignitable property has a hazardous effect.
Ignitable medical wastes found in hospitals are anesthesia gases and ethylene oxides which are frequently used.
Problems regarding harmful medical waste can be prevented if we know what substances or materials include in it. It would make a huge impact in reducing potential hazards that might occur.