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Biohazard waste is different from other waste in many ways. First, it is highly infectious and may cause disease. Second, it poses a significant health risk to anyone who comes in contact with it. Finally, biohazards could pose an environmental risk and need to be contained and disposed of correctly.
It is the term that describes material and waste that has been contaminated with disease-causing microorganisms. Common biohazards include Human blood and blood products. This includes items that have been contaminated with blood and other body fluids or tissues that contain visible blood. Animal waste. Animal carcasses and body parts, or any bedding material used by animals that are known to be infected with pathogenic organisms. Human body fluids. Cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, vaginal secretions, pericardial fluid, amniotic fluid, saliva, and peritoneal fluid. Microbiological wastes. Common in laboratory settings, examples of microbiological wastes include specimen cultures, disposable culture dishes, discarded viruses, and devices used to transfer or mix cultures. Pathological waste. Human tissue, waste biopsy materials, and anatomical parts from medical procedures or autopsies. Sharps waste. Needles, glass slides and cover slips, scalpels, and IV tubing that has the needle attached.
Biohazards include bloodborne pathogen diseases and toxins that can cause harm or death in humans or in some cases environmental harm. Certain disease-causing organisms like Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Bacillus anthracis can survive for weeks in soil, water, or dust. Many people are unaware that such toxins can be present in everyday objects, which are then picked up by children, dogs, and other pets. This could result in severe illness or death. Most people are not aware that simple items could be potentially hazardous. It is usually much less obvious than the biohazard waste bag in the Doctors office which is why it is important to dispose of Biohazards according to current laws and regulations, so it does not end up in our land, soil, and water supplies.
Biohazardous waste if not treated onsite must be collected by a licensed biohazard waste disposal company. Biohazardous waste disposal is closely monitored and regulated in most states. Common disposal methods include Incineration: Incineration can occur either on-site or off-site by licensed contractors that specialize in handling infectious materials. Incineration has the benefit of reducing waste volume, sterilizing, and eliminating the need for pre-processing the waste before treatment, while certain waste has to be incinerated, this process does bring into question the pollutants that are being released into the air from incineration and the effect that has on the surrounding air, land and water quality. Autoclaving, or steam sterilization, is the most dependable procedure for the destruction of all forms of pathogens. Much of the waste treated by autoclaving and shredding ends up at the sanitary landfill. Mechanical/chemical disinfection, microwave treatments, and irradiation.
Should you have any questions concerning our biohazardous waste disposal process, contact us today and we will be happy to answer any questions and provide a quote for service it only takes a few bits of information and a couple of minutes on the phone. Call Healthcare Waste Management today at 888-427-5797.
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