Abstract
Healthcare wastes are generated by human or animal healthcare facilities. A small portion of these wastes are considered dangerous. However, accidents generated by incorrect waste management is a reality around the world. Accidents happen in different management stages, from the waste generation to its final destination, if waste is not properly managed. Therefore, this work aimed to discuss the possible problems related to the incorrect healthcare waste management, focusing on public health. This mini-review discussed some of the ways in which waste management can favor the preservation of public health and the environment, through steps such as minimization, segregation and recycling.
Highlights
The proper healthcare waste (HCW) management is important for public health and environment protection
Incorrect management of HCW may be associated with: injuries caused by sharp materials, which may contain the presence of infectious agents such as hepatitis B or C viruses (Arafa and Eshak, 2019; Mol et al, 2015); infection caused by high transmission agents present in inpatients wastes (Tesfahun et al, 2014; WHO, 2018; Idowu et al, 2013); dangers associated with toxic products in the environment such as chemicals, antibiotics, and cytotoxic drugs (WHO, 2018)
In view of the risks associated with poor waste management, the correct HCW management presents waste minimization strategies, usually through segregation at the moment of waste generation, permitting the correct disposal
Summary
The proper healthcare waste (HCW) management is important for public health and environment protection This waste is potentially dangerous due to the presence of infectious, chemical, radioactive or sharp materials (Tesfahun et al, 2014; WHO, 2018). Incorrect management of HCW may be associated with: injuries caused by sharp materials, which may contain the presence of infectious agents such as hepatitis B or C viruses (Arafa and Eshak, 2019; Mol et al, 2015); infection caused by high transmission agents present in inpatients wastes (Tesfahun et al, 2014; WHO, 2018; Idowu et al, 2013); dangers associated with toxic products in the environment such as chemicals, antibiotics, and cytotoxic drugs (WHO, 2018). Due to the coronavirus pandemic scenario, this topic gets even greater importance when considering risks of infected material being discharged (Mol and Caldas, 2020; Urban and Nakada, 2020)
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