Abstract

HAZARDOUS IMPACT OF BIO MEDICAL WASTE: A REVIEW

Aisha Perveen* and Sayeda Shifa Zaidi

ABSTRACT

Biomedical waste is any kind of waste which contains infectious (or potentially infectious) material. It may also include waste associated with the generation of biomedical waste that usually appears to be of medical or laboratory origin (packaging, unused bandages, transfusion kits) etc. Besides, research laboratory waste containing biomolecules or organisms that are restricted from environmental release are also included. Disposal of this waste is an environmental concern, as many medical wastes are classified as infectious or biohazardous and could potentially lead to the spread of infectious disease. Daily exposure to the waste leads to accumulation of harmful substances or microbes in the person’s body. Biomedical waste must be properly managed and disposed to protect the environment. General public & workers especially health care and sanitation workers who are at risk of exposure to the biomedical waste as an occupational hazard. The impact of biomedical waste on human healthcare could be manifold. The paper focus on various aspects of this.

Keywords: Biomedical waste, Disposal, Impact, Health.