Biomedical Waste Management

Abstract

Interaction of micro-(internal) and macro-(surrounding) environment of human beings determines the status of health of an individual or of community at-large. On daily basis, generation and disposal of biomedical wastes has become a emerging problem not only in India but the world over. These are being produced during the process of sampling, testing, diagnosis, therapy, immunization and surgery of humans, animals, and in research experiments. Several categories of biomedical wastes have been discussed along with steps involved in the management of biowaste include segregation, storage in containers, labeling, handling, transport, treatment, disposal and waste minimization. Potential implications of biomedical wastes include transmission of diseases like Hepatitis B, C, E, dengue and HIV through improperly contained contaminated sharps; proliferation and mutation of pathogenic microbial population in the municipal waste through dumping of untreated biomedical waste; physical injury and health hazards. Certain other implications include degradation of the environment esthetically by careless disposals, having negative effect on public health; increased risk of nosocomial infections; change of microbial ecology and spread of antibiotic resistance; increased density of vector population, resulting in spread of diseases in public. Sensitization and public awareness is important to protect environment and public health globally.