Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology

Consequences of Hospital Waste Disposal on the Ecosystem and Health Care Administration

Awang Mahari^* Department of Ocean Engineering Technology, University of Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
^*Correspondence: Awang Mahari, Department of Ocean Engineering Technology, University of Malaysia Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia, Email:

Received: 29-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. JPEB-23-21068; Editor assigned: 31-Mar-2023, Pre QC No. JPEB-23-21068 (PQ); Reviewed: 21-Apr-2023, QC No. JPEB-23-21068; Revised: 28-Apr-2023, Manuscript No. JPEB-23-21068 (R); Published: 05-May-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2157-7463.23.14.513

Description

In today's world, healthcare has become a crucial aspect of our lives, and hospitals are playing a significant role in keeping us healthy. However, with the increase in healthcare facilities and services, the amount of hospital waste generated is also increasing rapidly. This has led to a growing concern about the safe and efficient management of hospital waste.

Hospital waste refers to any waste generated by healthcare facilities, including infectious, hazardous, and non-hazardous waste. Proper management of hospital waste is critical to protect the environment, the healthcare staff, and the public from the hazards posed by these wastes. In this article, we will discuss the importance of hospital waste management and its impact on our environment and health.

Hospital waste management is an essential for protecting the environment. Improper disposal of hospital waste can lead to various environmental problems, including soil and water pollution, which can affect human health and wildlife. Many of the wastes generated in hospitals contain harmful chemicals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, which can contaminate soil and water, and eventually enter the food chain, causing serious health problems. Moreover, improper disposal of medical sharps, such as needles and syringes, can also pose a significant risk to sanitation workers and the public.

Hospital waste management is critical for the safety and health of healthcare workers. Healthcare workers are at a high risk of exposure to infectious waste, which can cause severe illnesses and infections. Proper management of hospital waste, including segregation, transportation, and disposal, can significantly reduce the risk of exposure to infectious waste and protect the health and safety of healthcare workers.

Hospital waste management is essential for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Improper management of hospital waste can lead to the spread of infectious diseases, including hepatitis B and C, (HIV) Human Immunodeficiency Virus and tuberculosis.

These diseases can be transmitted through contact with contaminated needles, syringes, and other medical waste. Proper disposal of infectious waste can help prevent the spread of these diseases and protect public health.

To manage hospital waste effectively, it is crucial to follow the proper waste management hierarchy. This hierarchy includes waste minimization, segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal. Waste minimization involves reducing the amount of waste generated by hospitals through source reduction and recycling. Segregation involves separating different types of waste, such as infectious and non-infectious waste, and hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Storage involves storing the waste in a secure and designated area to prevent accidental exposure. Transportation involves safely transporting the waste to the disposal site. Disposal involves treating and disposing of the waste in a way that minimizes the environmental and health risks.

Several methods are available for the treatment and disposal of hospital waste, including incineration, autoclaving, and landfilling. Incineration is the most common method used for the treatment of infectious and hazardous waste. However, it can release harmful gases and pollutants into the atmosphere, which can lead to air pollution. Autoclaving involves treating the waste with steam under high pressure and is used for the treatment of infectious waste. Landfilling is used for non-infectious and nonhazardous waste and involves burying the waste in designated landfills.

In conclusion, proper hospital waste management is essential for protecting the environment, the healthcare staff, and the public from the hazards posed by hospital waste. The proper waste management hierarchy, including waste minimization, segregation, storage, transportation, and disposal, must be followed to manage hospital waste effectively. Several methods are available for the treatment and disposal of hospital waste, including incineration, autoclaving, and landfilling. However, each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of method should be based on the type and quantity of waste generated.

It is crucial for hospitals to implement effective waste management practices and to educate their staff and patients about the importance of proper waste management. This can help reduce the amount of waste generated and ensure that the waste is properly segregated and disposed of, minimizing the environmental and health risks. Governments and regulatory bodies should also establish and enforce strict guidelines and regulations for hospital waste management to ensure that healthcare facilities comply with the standards and protect public health and the environment. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for all.