Don’t waste, don’t burn: the growing need for small-scale medical waste incinerators
Introduction
The healthcare industry generates an incredible amount of waste, including infectious and hazardous medical waste, which poses a significant risk to public health and the environment. In both developed and developing countries, healthcare facilities are struggling to cope with the growing demand for good waste disposal management. This article highlights the urgent need for small medical waste incinerators, a solution that promises to mitigate the risks and benefits of a cleaner environment.
The risks of medical waste**
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 15 to 20 percent of hospitals and healthcare facilities worldwide produce biohazardous medical waste, including sharps, chemicals, and biohazards. Improper management and disposal of these medical wastes can lead to health problems, such as sepsis, HIV infection, and even death, especially among healthcare workers who often handle these hazardous wastes without proper protection.
Traditional large-scale incinerators may not be a solution in many developing countries and remote areas, where financial constraints, lack of access and poor infrastructure prevent good waste management. Adding to the challenge, growing concerns about climate change have led to a call for more environmentally friendly and carbon-reducing waste solutions.
The small-scale medical waste incineration solution
Small-scale medical waste incinerators (BGIs) promise to transform medical waste management. Concretely, these units are equipped with cutting-edge technology which limits nitrogen oxide (NOX) and carbon emissions by up to 20%.
Small-scale incinerators are ideal for countries with limited infrastructure. These units can be easily integrated into existing healthcare infrastructure and are energy efficient. The health of patients and that of nursing staff are thus guaranteed. Additionally, the miniaturized size of BGI units allows them to operate in varied locations, from rural or off-grid areas to peri-urban or densely populated sites, making them a particularly innovative solution for underserved areas.
Innovative solutions for climate action
Developing and implementing carbon reduction strategies in waste disposal and management is essential to reduce health impact on the environment. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also becoming a key aspect of strengthening climate action. Research continues to advance in the areas of biotechnology, recycling, composting and energy reduction through waste management.
Incineration technologies have seen major advancements, allowing companies like Bio-Engineered Systems, a leader in hazardous waste management, to establish carbon-neutral facilities. To counterbalance emissions, CO2 reduction technologies (capture and storage) continue to evolve.
Closing the loop**
There is no single or instant solution for medical waste, but rather a set of connected strategies and technologies converging to achieve waste reduction. By expanding small-scale medical waste incinerators and implementing waste-reducing solutions, global stakeholders can ensure a waste management system that not only ensures public health, but also works in harmony with climate considerations .
**Conclusion**
By employing small-scale medical waste incinerators, particularly BGI units, emerging and developed countries could begin to alleviate growing concerns over poor waste management, while simultaneously reducing health risks and environmental pollution hazardous waste. Global support for innovative small-scale incinerators can mitigate both the risk of global infections and climate change for sustainable healthcare.
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