Nonbiodegradable Hospital Waste Burden and Implications

Abstract

Hospitals and other healthcare facilities are very essential for the cure and care of persons suffering from health issues and also to promote health in society. As the health care services are improving and increasing their reach even in underdeveloped countries, so is the problem of health care waste (HCW) as hospitals generate a relatively huge amount of HCW, which consists of general as well as hazardous waste. The persons handling HCW are at immediate risk, followed by persons residing near HCW dumping/processing areas and the general public. Infectious HCW is a major threat to the health of humans and animals as it has the potential to spread various infectious diseases to the human and animal population. Due to the uncontrolled use of disposable nonbiodegradable materials by healthcare systems and their processing or lack of it, the HCW has emerged as one of the major sources of environmental pollution including the emission of the significant amount of greenhouse gases, which stands from 3 to 10% of total emissions of nations. HCW also leads to leaching chemicals, heavy metals like Pb, Cd, Cr, radioactive substances, and even generating carcinogens like dioxin in the environment contaminating air, soil, and water in general and especially in areas surrounding HCW dumping or processing affecting health and quality of life of not only of humans but cohabiting flora and fauna in those areas. Thus, the HCW is becoming one of the major sources of environmental pollution and collectively contributing to the problem of global warming. The HCW needs to be given the desired attention and priority in actions and policy. The chapter focuses on sources, types, and various environmental and health hazards related to HCW, its global environmental impact and management strategies for minimum effects with an eco-friendly and sustainable approach.