BIOMEDICAL WASTE

COVID-19 Pandemic and Biomedical Waste Management

Presentation Details

  • Presented by: Dr. Tanmay Sanyal, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, Krishnagar Govt. College

Content Overview

  • Introduction to biomedical waste (BMW)

  • Classification of BMW

  • Sources of BMW

  • Steps in BMW management

  • Risk assessment of BMW

Understanding Biomedical Waste (BMW)

  • Defined by WHO: Waste generated during diagnosis, treatment, immunization, or research involving humans or animals.

  • Comprises anatomical waste, needles, syringes, and materials used in healthcare facilities.

Generation Statistics

  • Developed countries: 1-5 kg/bed/day

  • India: 1-2 kg/bed/day (M.O.E.F. & CC report)

  • Approximately 530 tons/day generated, only 57% properly disposed.

Health Impact

  • In 2000, contaminated syringes led to:

    • 21 million hepatitis B infections

    • 2 million hepatitis C infections

    • 260,000 HIV infections

Classification of Biomedical Waste

General Classification

  1. Non-Hazardous Waste: Does not pose biological, chemical, radioactive, or physical risks. Example: Paper, plastic containers without contamination.

  2. Hazardous Waste: Includes:

    • Infectious Waste: Potentially contains pathogens.

    • Sharps Waste: Used needles, scalpels, etc.

    • Pharmaceutical Waste: Expired or unused drugs.

    • Cytotoxic Waste: Contains genotoxic substances.

    • Chemical Waste: Laboratory reagents, toxic chemicals.

    • Radioactive Waste: Contaminated substances from nuclear medicine.

Sources of Biomedical Waste

  • Major Sources: Hospitals, clinics, research centers, nursing homes.

  • Minor Sources: Dental clinics, animal care, home care.

BMW Management Steps

  1. Waste generation

  2. Segregation

  3. Collection

  4. Storage

  5. Transport

  6. Treatment

  7. Disposal

Waste Segregation

  • Conducted at the waste generation point.

  • Involves color coding of waste bags (varies by country).

Color Coding System

  • Yellow: Anatomical waste, contaminated linens, chemicals - incineration required.

  • Red: Recyclable contaminated waste - treated and sent for recycling.

  • White (Translucent): Sharps - puncture-proof containers.

  • Blue: Glassware - disinfected and recycled.

  • Black: Chemical and radioactive waste - secured landfill.

Safety and Collection Procedures

  • Follow PPE guidelines: utility gloves, aprons, masks, etc.

  • Waste must be properly labeled and stored away from public access.

Waste Treatment Processes

  1. Mechanical: Shredding, grinding to reduce volume.

  2. Thermal: Autoclaving (121°C) and incineration for sterilization.

  3. Chemical: Disinfection using sodium hypochlorite.

  4. Irradiation: Using radiation to destroy pathogens.

  5. Biological: Composting and burial methods.

Risks Associated with Biomedical Waste

Risk Assessment

  • Waste management staff, public, nurses, patients at risk of:

    • Infection

    • Genotoxic and chemical toxicity

    • Physical injuries due to sharps

Most Common Infections

  • These include gastroenteric, respiratory infections, blood-borne diseases, etc.

COVID-19 and Biomedical Waste

  • Increased medical waste due to home quarantine and rising infection rates poses new challenges.

  • Highlighted risks associated with informal waste collection practices during the pandemic.

Measures to Combat COVID-19 Related Waste

  • Educate and train waste management personnel and the public.

  • Municipalities must facilitate proper disposal practices.

Acknowledgements

  • Dr. Anilava Kaviraj, faculty, students, family, and collaborators acknowledged for support.

Conclusion

  • Importance of effective management of biomedical waste in protecting public health, especially during pandemics.