Abstract

CLINICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ITS IMPACT ON HUMAN HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Padmini Iriventi*

Abstract

The management of clinical solid waste (CSW) continues to be a major challenge, particularly, in most healthcare facilities of the developing world. Inappropriate disposal methods and improper handling exercised during handling and disposal of CSW is increasing significant health hazards and environmental pollution due to the infectious nature of the waste. In most of the cases, the main reasons of the mismanagement of CSW are the lack of appropriate legislation, specialized clinical staffs, awareness and effective control. Proper handling, treatment and disposal of clinical waste play a vital role in infection control. Most of the developing countries are looking for cost effective disposal methods of clinical wastes due to financial difficulties. Recycle-reuse program of CSW materials can be continued after sterilization by using Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide (SF-COâ‚‚) sterilization technology at the point of initial collection which inactivates the infectious micro organisms in CSW. This technology reduces exposure to infectious waste, decrease labor, lower costs and yield better compliance with regulatory. Thus healthcare facilities can save money and provide safe environment for patients, health care and clinical staffs. This review mainly emphasizes on the various technologies and techniques like Incineration, Autoclaving, Microwaves, Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide sterilization which are used to treat clinical wastes.

Keywords: Clinical Solid Waste, Disposal methods, Supercritical fluid carbon dioxide sterilization method.