Bio-Medical Waste : Source of Deadly Diseases

The state of Gujarat and entire nation all of sudden were put on alarm due to sudden outbreak of hepatitis. The total number of people with hepatitis infection has reached 184, out of which 56 have already died. The uprovar over the spread of this deadly virus triggered off a drive to check unsafe medical practices. It led to discovery of an appalling racket - bio-medical waste recycling. More than 50 tons of biomedical waste have been recovered from several scrap dealers across the state. They buy used syringes, needles, multiple vials, IV sets, empty medicine bottles, catheters and even blood bottles, which have crossed the stipulated expiry dates and recycle them back to the doctors!

What is biomedical waste?

Biomedical waste is any waste, which is generated during the diagnosis, treatment for immunization of human beings or animals. It also includes the waste generated during research activities involving the production or testing of biologicals, which means any preparation made from organisms are microorganisms are product of metabolism and biochemical reaction.

Sources of biomedical waste

Common producers of biomedical waste include hospitals, nursing homes, other health Care units, pathological and research laboratories, blood banks, veterinary institutions, home healthcare, funeral homes and animal slaughter houses.

Disposal of biomedical waste

There are various methods of dealing with biomedical wastes, including incineration, deep burial, autoclaving, microwaving, chemical disinfections, shredding and disposal in municipal landfill. 

Biomedical waste Management

The management of biomedical waste is crucial issue in health and environmental management. It is estimated that India generates more than 3 lakh tonnes of waste, annually. The solid waste from the hospitals consists of bandages, linen and other infectious waste, cottons swabs, disposable syringes, glass and other general wastes including food.

Out of these, the biomedical waste has to be disposed on accounting to the biomedical waste ( management and handling) rules 1998. It directs the followings:

• To set up the requisite biomedical waste treatment facilities like incinerators, autoclave, microwave system for the treatment of waste or ensure requisite treatment of waste at a common waste treatment facility or any other waste treatment facility.

• Biomedical waste shall not be mixed with other wastes.

• Biomedical waste shall be segregated into containers or bags at a point of generation.... Prior to its storage, transportation, treatment and disposal. The container shall be labelled.

• No untreated Biomedical waste shall be kept or store beyond a period of 48 hours.

• Every authorised person shall maintain records related to the generation, collection, reception, storage, transportation, treatment, disposal and/or any form of handling of bio medical waste in accordance with these rules and any guidelines issued.

• All records shall be subjected to inspection and verification by the prescribed authority at any time.

 

The proper management of Biomedical waste has several aspects : political, social, economic, technical and of course, environmental. We must have adequate knowledge of the types of waste, how much is being produced, who produces it, and what happens to it. This will help us to know what should be done with waste,  and prepare for the future.

There are following certain aspects that must be taken into account:

• Before increasing institutions for managing the biomedical wastes, it is necessary to carry out an environmental impact assessment (EIA). This will spread awareness among people about the environmental effects of dumping of Biomedical wastes.

• Community based waste management for treatment facility must be emphasised.

• The management practice must monitor land use planning, and prohibit or impose restrictions on undesirable land used for dumping the biomedical wastes. There are two blocks : there is "limited land resource;  and there is not set "perfect rule", which can be followed.

• The handling of such wastes requires constant monitoring by a specific agency. There should also be periodic monitoring of the level of pollution. So, it is necessary to have a strong enforcement mechanism within the framework of law. it becomes the duty of the owner of the institutions to active responsibility in dealing with such hazardous substance.