Impact of Hazardous Waste Material on Environment and Their Management Strategies

Abstract

Hazardous waste has emerged as an issue of major concern that has negative impact both on human health as well as on the environment. Hazardous and infectious agents are handled in daily routine in biomedical laboratories. Their effects are increasing continuously in the environment. Hazardous waste includes solid, liquid, sharp and pathological waste. Workers in hospitals and health care, agricultural and fishing occupations are at particular risk of exposure to hazardous biological agents. Recently, more systematic and strict steps have taken by the Indian government regarding the public concern to prevent the proliferation of hazardous waste and its improper disposal. However, management of waste are still not well promoted. So, to intercept the build-up of biohazards into the environment, waste from biohazardous operations must be disposed or treated appropriately in a special way and it also intends to create awareness amongst the personnel involved in these sectors to develop and implement hazardous waste management and mitigation strategies.