Medical waste is a serious problem in many countries around the world. These are disgusting and unhygienic conditions that can lead to several diseases. If you don’t take care of your medical waste properly, it can quickly become a pandemic that has disastrous consequences for everyone. Residual biohazardous materials pose great danger to human health as they are capable of transmitting bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis B and Corona viruses, HIV, and other diseases. Improper disposal of medical waste may lead to contamination of soil, water bodies or air which may further result in epidemics if not checked on time. There are several ways in which exposure to medical waste can be dangerous to your health:
Infection from used needles
Used needles pose a significant risk of infection in several ways. First, they can puncture clothing and skin, making you more likely to become infected, especially if there are fluids on the needle, like blood. They can also transmit other pathogens, like Hepatitis B or C if they have blood on them. Used needles can also be contaminated with bacteria that is on the surface of the needle. There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection from used needles. First, wear gloves whenever you come in contact with medical waste (even if they are disposed of). Second, use tongs to move and dispose of used needles. Finally, wear a mask or respirator to prevent contaminated air from entering your lungs.
Breathing in the waste
Airborne pathogens, like bacteria and viruses, are most dangerous when they can travel through the air. Conditions like improper handling, insufficient containers and improper covering of waste can cause the bio hazardous waste to be airborne. The most common airborne pathogen found in medical waste is the bacteria that causes Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a lethal disease that can damage one’s lungs, brain, spleen and kidneys. There are several ways in which you can reduce the risk of being infected from bio hazardous waste being released into the air. First, wear a respirator when handling medical waste. Second, make sure you are using the correct containers to store and transport the waste. Third, make sure the containers are closed properly.
Dangerous contaminants
There are certain chemicals and other contaminants that you may come into contact with during the disposal process that are dangerous to your health. For example, some disinfectants may cause irritation or burns when they come into contact with your skin. Other chemicals, like mercury, may be dangerous when ingested, even at low levels. The best way to protect yourself from contaminants is to use the correct methods to dispose of the waste. This includes using the right containers, wearing the right personal protective equipment, and making sure there are no contaminants in the containers.
Toxins in the air
Bio hazardous waste that is left to fester in warm, humid weather can begin to produce dangerous toxins. This is often seen in tropical areas where medical waste is often improperly disposed of. Toxins released in air can be harmful to one’s health. However, the extent of the damage depends on how close you are to the source of the toxins, how much of the toxins are being produced, and how toxic the toxins are. The best way to prevent toxins in the air is to be aware of the risks associated with improper medical waste disposal, and to make sure you are handling the waste properly. This includes choosing the right containers, wearing the right PPE, and transporting the waste to the appropriate disposal site.
Conclusion
Medical waste is a serious problem that is on the rise and can pose a serious risk to public health. There are several ways in which exposure to medical waste can harm your health, including infection from used needles, breathing in the waste, dangerous contaminants, and toxins in the air. The best way to protect yourself from these hazards is to use the correct methods to dispose of the waste.