What are Considered Medical Waste?

Medical waste refers to any material that has been used in a healthcare setting, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. Around 85% of this waste is generally non-hazardous while 15% are potentially infectious and can pose a threat to public health and the environment if not handled and disposed of properly.

Medical waste is generated in a wide range of activities, from diagnosis to treatment. Apart from that, it also includes a variety of materials.

Different Types of Medical Waste

Here are some of the types of medical waste that require special handling and disposal:

Chemical Waste

This includes any waste that is generated from the use of chemicals in healthcare settings such as disinfectants, solvents, and laboratory chemicals. Chemical waste must be handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations.

Cytotoxic Waste

This waste contains highly dangerous substances that are carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic. These are mostly found in drugs used to treat cancer.

Infectious Waste

These are tainted with bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine, waste from infected patients, or waste from laboratory work.

Non-hazardous or General Waste

These waste that are not contaminated with any chemical, biological, or radioactive hazard. However, proper waste disposal must still be implemented.

Pathological Waste

These are human or animal tissue, organs, or body parts that are removed during surgery or autopsy. It can also include fetuses, placentas, and other products of conception.

Pharmaceutical Waste

Drugs and vaccines that are expired or contaminated are included in this category.

Radioactive Waste

This can include items such as radioactive isotopes used in medical imaging and treatment, as well as radioactive waste generated in laboratory settings.

Sharps Waste

Sharps include needles, syringes, scalpels, and other items that can penetrate the skin. These pose a significant risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Conclusion

Medical waste should be handled and disposed of in accordance with applicable regulations to protect public health and the environment. Healthcare facilities must have procedures in place for the proper handling, storage, and disposal of medical waste.

Also, waste handlers must be properly trained and equipped to handle medical waste safely, and must follow all applicable regulations to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and other hazards.