Effects on Biomedical Waste on the environment!

Biomedical waste, also commonly referred to as biohazardous or infectious waste, is any waste that contains infectious materials and substances such as blood, needles, syringes, and more. Some materials of particular concern are sharps such as needles, glass pipettes, blades, or any other medical waste material which can cause injury during handling.

Biohazardous waste must be handled according to stern federal, state and local regulations. Misused biohazard waste poses a threat not only to healthcare professionals, patients, and the local community but also to the environment. Hence, biomedical waste must be disposed of in the right biomedical waste containers.

Wildlife and Pharmaceuticals

Biohazard waste that is not disposed of properly can end up in lakes, parks, and other wildlife habitats. According to research, wildlife is attracted to the fragrance and colour of pills and liquid medicine. This curiosity results in the digestion of medication, which can injure or even kill the animal.

Groundwater Contamination

Serious efforts have been made to ensure landfills are built to protect the earth around them. Most of them are built with a special lining so that the nearby soil and groundwater cannot become contaminated. However, mishandled biohazard waste can annihilate even the best landfill design. Syringes and other sharp objects can easily rip the lining. As rain falls, contaminants in the landfills can seep out to the exterior soil, and the groundwater becomes toxic.

Radioactive Pollution

In order to accurately diagnose the patients, doctors sometimes use radioactive tools. If disposed of improperly, radioactivity can enter landfills and other areas. These substances emit particles that are dangerous to people. Excessive exposure to radioactivity can result in serious diseases.

Airborne Pollutants

Certain medical waste can be destroyed by incineration. But, if not ignited properly, pollutants can be worse than land-based types because they can spread far and wide quickly. Biohazard waste models serious risks and must be handled and disposed of properly. Everyone working in the healthcare industry has a responsibility to handle these materials correctly and speak up if they see others ignoring safety measures and regulations.

Are you looking for the right bins for your medical waste? Sheetal Group offers a wide range of biomedical waste containers in a wide variety and sizes regarded for high quality, strength, and durability and appropriate disposal of regulated medical waste. Contact us today to learn more.