Biomedical Waste

BIOMEDICAL WASTE
1)Introduction:
Biomedical waste, also known as infectious waste or medical waste, is defined as solid waste generated during the diagnosis, testing, treatment, research or production of biological products for humans or animals. Biomedical waste includes syringes, live vaccines, laboratory samples, body parts, bodily fluids and waste, sharp needles, cultures and lancets.
Biomedical waste consists of solids, liquids, sharps, and laboratory waste that are potentially infectious or dangerous. It must be properly managed to protect the general public, specifically healthcare and sanitation workers who are regularly exposed to biomedical waste as an occupational hazard.
Biomedical waste differs from other types of hazardous waste, such as industrial waste, in that it comes from biological sources or is used in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of diseases. Common producers of biomedical waste include hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes, medical research laboratories, offices of physicians, dentists, and veterinarians, home health care, and funeral homes.
2) common sources of Bio-medical waste:
Biomedical waste is generated in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, medical laboratories, blood banks, animal houses etc. Such a waste can also be generated at home if health care is being provided there to a patient (e.g. injection, dressing material etc.) Because biomedical waste can be detrimental to human health, the law requires such facilities to follow procedures that protect the public from coming into contact with it. Agencies that regulate different aspects of biomedical waste include Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
3) Management and disposal of Bio-medical waste:
The Biomedical Waste Management & Handling Rules 1998 require all Hospitals, Nursing homes, Municipal
Corporations, Clinics, Pathological Labs, Blood Banks animal houses, research... [continues]

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