Importance Of Medical Waste Management Henrico VA

By Christine Richardson


The health sector is one of the most sensitive industries which require high hygiene levels. Poor disposal of unwanted materials has been known for its impacts to human life and also to the environment with bacteria mutating everywhere in horrifying rates. This is a wake-up call for all health care facilities to take necessary measures to ensure that any unwanted desolate has been properly disposed. Just take a look at some of the importance of medical waste management Henrico VA.

Some of these waste products may include any contaminated or suspected to be contaminated with body fluids such as blood or blood products. This may include would dressings, cultures, diagnostic samples, gloves and catheters, and infectious agents among others. According to WHO 5% of the hospital associated infections affect hospitalized patients. This shows how patients are at high risks of contracting diseases.

It is estimated that 16 billion injections are performed each year globally. Among these used needles and syringes, some of them end up being poorly disposed off, creating high chances of re-use, injury, and infections. Used needles are known to cause infectious diseases like hepatitis and HIV.

Improper needle and sharp objects actually may cause injury. Besides, improper needle disposal may increase its chances of being re-used. According to a WHO release back in 2010, unsafe injections were reported to claim 1.7 hepatitis B infections, 33,800 new HIV infections and 315, 000 hepatitis C infections. These diseases are known to claim lives every day. However, practicing proper waste disposal can help save lives and promote a healthy nation.

Garbage incineration is commonly practiced. However, as much as it can be a way of getting rid of these litters, not all materials are fit for the practice. When healthcare materials containing mercury and chlorine are incinerated, they produce furans and dioxins. These pollutants are human carcinogens which are linked with adverse health effects.

The ministry of health does not tolerate with any Henrico VA health facility which does not comply with the industry laws. Lack of proper disposal procedures can lead to the closure of the establishment. To ensure that your facility is up to the standards, you should make sure that unwanted materials has been properly managed. Educating your staffs and those who handle these wastes can help reduce any chances of improper disposal.

Regardless of whether the unwanted material is dealt with by another third party company or treated by the facility, disposing off all unwanted and used materials helps provide a good environment for everyone in the facility. One thing health centers do not understand is an inadequate waste disposal can cost them a lot of money and even face legal cases.

Poor garbage disposal is a significant threat to the community and medical sector as well. For the medical industry to reduce any occupational and patients health risks, proper garbage disposal should be adopted. Besides, health facilities should also enlighten garbage handlers and staffs on the impacts of poor litter disposal. City Henrico va government has also joined hands with health bodies to fight these unhealthy waste disposal techniques used in the sector.




About the Author: