MEDICAL POLLUTION CONTROL COMMITTEE

Air Pollution      |     Water Pollution

Radioactive Effluent/Pollution    |    Land Pollution

Air pollution can be caused in both indoors and outdoors. Biomedical waste that generates air pollution is of three types - Biological, Chemical and radioactive.  

Indoor air pollution: Pathogens present in the waste can enter and remain in the air in an institution for a long period in the form of spores or as pathogens itself. This can result in Hospital Acquired Infections (Nosocomial infections) or Occupational Health Hazards. The patients and their attendants also have a chance of contracting infections caused due to pathogens or spores which are air borne. However, there are very limited statistics available in this field. This is an area which requires research.  

Indoor air pollution due to biologicals can be reduced by covering the waste properly, routing the waste in such a way that shortest distance is used and sensitive areas are avoided. Segregation of waste, pretreatment at source etc., can also reduce this problem to a great extent. Sterilizing the rooms will also help in checking the indoor air pollution due to biologicals. 

Indoor air pollution can also be caused due to:

§         Poor ventilation: The building design plays an important role in maintaining proper ventilation. Faulty air conditioning also will result in poor circulation of air within the rooms. 

§         The paints, carpets, furniture, equipment, etc., used in the rooms, can give out volatile organic compounds (VOC)

§         Use of chemicals: Disinfectants, fumigants etc., give out acidic or hazardous gases. 

The indoor air pollution caused due to the above chemicals or poor ventilation can cause Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) to the employees. Proper building design and well-maintained air conditioners could reduce the SBS. Chemicals should be utilized as per prescribed norms. Over use of chemicals should be avoided.  

Outdoor air pollution: Outdoor air pollution can be caused by pathogens. When waste without pretreatment is being transported outside the institution, or if it is dumped openly, pathogens can enter the atmosphere. These pathogens can find their way to drinking water, food stuff, soil etc., and or remain in the ambient air and cause diseases in animals and human beings. Proper waste management practices can reduce this pollution to a large extent. 

Chemical pollutants that cause outdoor air pollution have two major sources- open burning and incinerators. Open burning of bio-medical waste is the most harmful practice. The presence of plastics and hazardous materials in the waste will generate harmful gases such as oxides of sulphur, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide etc., and suspended particulate matter. These when inhaled can cause respiratory diseases. Certain organic gases such as dioxins and furans are carcinogenic.  

Open burning of bio-medical waste should be strictly avoided. Pollution control devices should be used for technology produces toxic emissions. The design parameters and maintenance of such treatment and disposal technology should be as per the prescribed standards.  

Radioactive emissions: Research and radio-immunoassay activities may generate small quantities of radioactive gas. The clinical application of 85Kr and 133Xe is the principal source of gaseous radioactive waste material requiring disposal.  

Gaseous radioactive material should be evacuated directly to the outside. Under no circumstances should such gaseous radioactive waste be mixed with the indoor air. If a special exhaust system is not available, an activated carbon trapping device may be used. The use of such a device requires maintenance of the trap and monitoring of the off-gas.