Impact of Biomedical Waste Management System on Infection Control in the Midst of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The emergence of modern medicinal practices and diagnosis process has resulted in health risks and threat to the environment, and thus it is a matter of global concern. However, the improper waste management rules adopted in healthcare hospitals around the world cause a potential health impact to ecosystem which generates contagious and deadly diseases affected by human beings. In this chapter, an attempt is made to investigate an overview of biomedical waste management practices in healthcare facilities in India as well as around the world. This chapter intends to provide the origin and types of biomedical waste, requirement of waste management rules and containment in hospitals and research centres and followed by the safe disposal of wastes which are unaffected to the environment. More emphasis was given to the biomedical health risks, handling and disposal methodologies adopted by different countries and the steps taken to eradicate the infections caused due to COVID-19 pandemic in much reliable ways. Keywords Biomedical waste management • Incinerator • COVID-19 • Infection control • Health risks • Segregation of wastes • Colour codes for wastes • Treatment of waste • Disposal methods Authors Dr.Jackson Durairaj and Dr. Johnson Retnaraj Samuel have contributed equally.

Comparison of microwave and autoclave treatment for biomedical waste disinfection

“…While healthcare institutions play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients, they generate various biomedical waste. Because biomedical waste typically contains infectious agents and pathogens, appropriate treatment of such waste is important for protecting society from illness caused by direct or indirect contact [ 9 , 10 ]. Management of waste from hospitals has several steps and methods as recommended by World Health Organization (WHO) and enforced by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.…”

“…The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a report on how best to deal with biohazardous waste generated in hospitals and other facilities working with pathogens. It says the improper handling and disposal of such waste can have a negative influence on public and occupational health and safety and the environment [ 3 , 9 , 17 – 19 ]. However, the scavenger community that works on the streets or at ultimate disposal sites is another rather substantial population exposed to the hazards posed by improperly processed health care waste (HCW) in developing countries.…”

A Review of Recycling and Waste Management Systems Through the Lens of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…It was recommended that residual waste should be maintained as it was before and during COVID-19 as the impacts on it seem to have been negligible [36]. Bio-wastes on the other hand are more dangerous than residual waste given that COVID-19 is able to spread through them [48]. Therefore, a possible short-term solution would be to increase the number of trucks picking up bio-wastes [36].…”

“…The fact that many studies also focused on numerous types of waste also highlights the importance of dealing with all sections of waste management. Therefore, whether it has to do with medical, plastic, or municipal, further research regarding all waste should be carried out [22,33,48].…”

Sustainable Alternatives to Nondegradable Medical Plastics

“…Incineration is the commonly adopted method for disposing of medical plastic waste. However, this method causes the formation of toxins such as dioxins and furans. , These can negatively affect the environment and human health. A reliable disposal method for medical plastic waste is not yet fully realized in spite of the negative hazards and short lifetime of this waste.…”