BIO-MEDICAL WASTE Suhas Dixit, CMD, Pyrocrat Systems
Waste are Biomedical Wastes? Wastes which are generated during the diagnosis, treatment or immunization of human beings or animals or in research activities are termed as biomedical wastes. ď‚— Hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes, medical research laboratories, veterinarians, and funeral homes are the common sources that produce biomedical wastes. ď‚—
Hazards of Biochemical Wastes Can lead to spreading of diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis etc. Radioactive wastes can cause headache, vomiting, dizziness, DNA damage, carcinogenesis and other serious issues. Poor handling of needles, blades etc. can cause injuries Air, water and land pollution
Categorization of biomedical Waste Waste
Contents
Anatomical Waste
Human Tissues, Organs, Body Parts
Animal Waste
Animal Tissues, Organs, Carcasses, Bleeding Parts, Fluids, Blood
Microbiological and Biotechnical Waste
Wastes From Lab Cultures,Vaccines, Toxins, Animal Cell Cultures
Waste Sharps
Needles, Syringes, Scalpels, Blades Etc.
Discarded Medicines
Outdated, Contaminated Medicines
Soiled Waste
Contaminated Cotton, Linen, Dressings, Soiled Plaster Casts, Beddings Etc.
Solid Waste
Generated From Disposables Other Than Sharps Such As Tubings, Catheters, I.V. Sets
Liquid Waste
Generated From Laboratory And Washing, Cleaning, And Disinfecting Activities
Incineration Ash
Ash From Incineration Of Biomedical Waste
Chemical Waste
Insecticides, Disinfectant
Segregation of Biomedical Wastes Segregation is the process of separating of waste into different streams and the treatment of each stream to ensure complete sterilization and recycling. Segregation shall be done at point of generation. Non-infectious and infectious wastes must always be kept separate.
Benefits of Segregation ď‚— 1. 2.
3.
Segregation helps in reducing: Total treatment cost. Impacts of waste on community. Chances of infecting healthcare workers.
Biomedical Waste Classification General Waste Pathological Radioactive Chemical Infectious waste Sharps Pharmaceuticals Pressurized containers
Biomedical Waste Treatment Incineration Combustion of waste is carried out under controlled conditions and is converted into inert material and gases.
There are three types of incinerators Multiple hearth type Rotary kiln Controlled air types.
These incinerators can have primary and secondary combustion chambers to achieve optimal combustion.
Autoclave The autoclave works similarly as a pressure cooker where steam penetrates into waste material, thus killing the micro-organisms. Autoclaves are of three categories; Gravity type, Pre-vacuum type and Retort type.
Conditions: Temperature-121⁰C Holding time-15 min. Pressure-15 pounds per sq.inch.
Microwave The waste is subjected to microwave radiations which causes the molecules of the material to heat up, thereby killing the pathogens. Waves with Frequency of about 3000 MHz are used to destroy microorganisms. Heat is produced at 95-100 ⁰C for a holding period of 25 to 30 minutes.
Hot Air Oven In this method the oven is electrically heated. A fan is used for adequate distribution of hot air in the chamber. ď‚— A Thermostat is used to maintain a temperature of chamber at temperature of 160â °C for a period of 2 hours. ď‚—
Mechanical Treatment The bulk of biomedical waste is processed in order to change its physical form to facilitate waste management. ď‚— The common methods implied are Compacting and Shredding. ď‚—
Biological processes Biological enzymes can be used decontaminate the waste or even to cause the destruction of all the organic constituents. ď‚— Hence only inerts like plastics, glass, and other inert remain in the residues. ď‚—
Inertization Biomedical waste is mixed with cement and other substances before disposal to make them inert. This prevents toxic substances in waste from contaminating the ground or surface water. The mixture constitutes 65 % waste, 15 % lime, 15 % cement and 5 % water.
Land Disposal Sanitary landfills can be used to dispose biomedical waste. The site must have Full or partial hydrogeological isolation. Appropriate engineering preparations. Trained staff should supervise its functioning. Planned waste emplacement and covering: waste should be spread in layers and compacted.
Thank You