Categories and Sources of Medical Wastes Generation and Management from Health Care Facilities /Institutions in Nigeria
Abstract:
Medical waste management is of great concern due to its infectious and hazardous nature that can cause undesirable effects on humans and the environment. Waste treatment leads to a decrease in volume, weight, potential risk of infection and organic compounds in the waste. The removal of medical wastes from the point of generation to the point of final disposal can be achieved through several steps including collection at point of generation, packaging, initial storage, internal transport and movement, on-site storage, external transport, and final disposal. The link between these steps in medical waste management is known as handling. The process of medical waste management starts from the various departments where collection and segregation are usually carried out by health workers; plastic containers and bags are used in this stage for segregation and packaging. These procedures are based on the provision of adequate supply of appropriately marked or coded containers of suitable strength in safe and convenient locations close to generation areas. Medical wastes can create significant amount of environmental and health impact which may eventually lead to outbreak of infectious diseases. This review article will provide a waste handling manual to all waste handlers to guide on handling medical waste properly
