According to the reports by CSE, biomedical waste has ramped up to 46% amid covid 19 in April-May 2021
The topic of management of biomedical waste has picked up pace in recent times, particularly in view of the pandemic.
The proper handling and disposal of BMW (biomedical waste) have become significant. Therefore, it is highly desirable that proper steps should be taken to do so.
At the end of this article, you will find out 5 ways to treat biomedical waste effectively-
Let’s usher in-
- Incineration– It’s a well-known method and is used to deal with the majority of biomedical waste. It follows burning the waste between 1800० F to 2000० It’s a quick and easy way to dispose of waste. But moreover, it emits gases like CO2 (carbon dioxide), NOx (oxides of nitrogen), N2O (nitrous oxide), NH3 (ammonia), and so on that impacts the environment causing air pollution.
It’s a process which takes adequately following steps, if not, then it produces sinter, acid gases and so on.
- Gas Sterilization- The process follows BMW (biomedical waste) being evaluated in an airtight chamber in which it is exposed to various chemicals in a gaseous or vapor state in order to deactivate microorganisms. Ethylene oxide is a widely used gas used in this process.
- Autoclaving- It’s a process where an instrument is used, namely autoclave, which further uses moist heat sterilization, which additionally is more effective due to the steam used has more penetrating power for deactivating microorganisms.
Autoclaves are closed chambers that apply heat and pressure for a certain time to sterilize biomedical waste, destroying microorganisms before dumping them into landfills.
- Chemical disinfection- It is suitable for treating liquid waste but could be used for solid waste as well. Widely involves using chlorine for disinfecting, through their use microorganism gets deactivated, then sent to landfills.
Chlorine has been disinfected for many years, also used in pools to reduce the risk of disease transmission. Other than that, ethylene oxide treatment is another way of disinfection but is mainly used to sterilize reusable material because it is a bit expensive for material dumped in landfills.
One of the ways for management of biomedical waste.
- Microwave– This method is used to heat water waste; it can be either on-site or in mobile treatment. The process involves shredding of waste to increase the efficiency of the treatment, and it is mandatory for the waste to be wet. It doesn’t work if the waste is dry.
Although microwaves are a much cheaper option than incineration, it will not eliminate hazardous material that incineration can.
Conclusion
To conclude, management of biomedical waste is mandatory to perform. It eliminates the chances of further developing an infection or a disease if it comes in contact with a living being. Further, the treatment of biomedical waste ensures the deactivation of any microorganism and eliminates hazardous material.
Lastly, biomedical waste treatment may not be the most suitable for the environment, but it does lessen the chances of further developing an infection or disease.
