Waste management practices among dental surgery staff of major hospitals in Accra: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Introduction: the practice of dentistry in contemporary times produces considerable waste that could be harmful to individuals and the environment at large. In Ghana and many other jurisdictions, there are guidelines that outline how these wastes should be managed. This study was conducted to explore practices concerning dental waste management among dental surgery staff in some public facilities in Accra, Ghana. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study involving dental surgery staff of four major facilities in Accra was done. Overall, 124 staff from the selected facilities participated in the study, and 51 different dental surgeries were assessed. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and an observation checklist. The questionnaire included questions on socio-demographics, as well as knowledge and practices regarding dental waste management. Results: there was unsatisfactory knowledge of waste disposal, while practices did not generally meet international recommendations and the Ministry of Health´s (MOH) guidelines. Though all respondents stored their sharp waste in puncture-proof containers, 98.4% did not label their clinical waste, while 62.9% would dispose of used X-ray fixers by pouring them down the drain. None of the 51 surgeries observed had more than one colour code available. Conclusion: there is a palpable need for education, monitoring, and empowerment concerning waste management in Ghana´s oral healthcare system.

Impacto de una intervención educativa en el conocimiento y manejo de residuos peligrosos biológico-infecciosos / Impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge and management of infectious biological hazardous waste

Introducción: el personal de enfermería tiene una participación fundamental en el manejo de los residuos peligrosos biológico-infecciosos (RPBI) durante la atención en salud, situación que hace indispensable el conocimiento respecto a la peligrosidad y riesgo en el manejo de estos residuos. Objetivo: evaluar el impacto de una intervención educativa acerca del conocimiento y manejo de RPBI, en el personal de enfermería de un hospital general regional. Metodología: estudio cuasi experimental, pretest/postest, prospectivo y longitudinal. Se realizó una intervención educativa, y antes y después de esta se aplicó un cuestionario para evaluar conocimientos relacionados con RPBI y una lista de cotejo del Modelo Institucional para la Prevención de Infecciones Nosocomiales (MIPRIN) para evaluar el manejo de RPBI. Resultados: la intervención educativa demostró un efecto positivo en los conocimientos del personal de enfermería en relación con el manejo de RPBI. En la evaluación pretest se obtuvo un porcentaje de conocimientos de 65.2% y en la postest fue de 78.3% (p < 0.001). Respecto al cumplimiento en el manejo de RPBI, hubo un incremento; sin embargo, no se puede atribuir a la intervención, puesto que se evaluó por servicio y no de manera directa con los participantes. Conclusión: la intervención educativa mostró cambios significativos en los conocimientos y el manejo de RPBI del personal de enfermería.

Introduction: Nursing staff represent an important percentage in the management of biological hazardous waste (BHW) during health care, a situation that makes this knowledge essential regarding the danger and risk in handling these wastes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of an educational intervention about the knowledge and management of BHW in the nursing staff of a regional general hospital. Methods: quasi-experimental, pre-test/post-test, prospective and longitudinal study. An educational intervention was carried out; before and after this intervention, a questionnaire was administered to evaluate knowledge related to BHW and a checklist of the Institutional Model for the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections (MIPRIN, according to its initials in Spanish) to evaluate the management of BHW. Results: The educational intervention showed a positive effect in the nursing staff's knowledge in relation to BHW. In the pre-test evaluation a knowledge percentage of 65.2% was obtained and in the post-test evaluation it was 78.3% (p < 0.001). Regarding compliance in the management of BHW there was an increase; however, it cannot be attributed to the intervention, since it was evaluated by service and not directly with the participants.

Gestão de pequenos volumes de materiais de cimento-amianto no Brasil: do uso aos resíduos / Management of small volumes of asbestos-cement materials in Brazil: from use to waste

A gestão dos resíduos da construção civil (RCC) é desafio aos administradores públicos, o estudo do sistema de gestão do município de São Paulo realizado nessa Tese, após cinco anos da efetivação do sistema de rastreamento Coletas Online no município, apontou melhorias, como o aprimoramento da fiscalização dos RCC no transporte e destino, e a ampliação do número de Ecopontos, porém apesar do aumento do fluxo para os pequenos volumes, os RCC perigosos continuam à margem desta infraestrutura, dependendo de logística reversa que nem sempre atende a diversidade de RCC gerados, como para os pequenos volumes de materiais de cimento-amianto (MCA). Para o cálculo estimativo da quantidade de MCA foram pesquisadas a evolução de mercado e banimento do amianto, levantados dados de consumo interno de crisotila, de 1998 (período de permissão de uso) até 2017 (ano do banimento), a geração de resíduos de cimento-amianto (RCA) (2012 a 2017), assim como o percentual de fibras por compósito e fator durabilidade. Constatou-se significativa diferença entre a média anual de produção de MCA (1,38 milhões t) e a geração de RCA (17 mil t), evidenciando grande quantidade em uso e que a capacidade instalada dos aterros classe I no país está aquém da demanda projetada de RCA. O Sistema de gestão internacional do Reino Unido (RU) escolhido fornece instruções técnicas aos autoconstrutores, para a remoção segura de pequenos volumes de cimento-amianto e proporciona o fluxo desses resíduos pelo transporte e destinação adequados, por meio de contratação de empresa regulamentada, intermediada pelo Poder Público. O fluxograma elaborado nesta tese possibilita de forma simples aos gestores, verificar o risco do uso das telhas de cimento-amianto (TCA) em moradias de baixa renda, pela identificação das TCA, verificação de seu estado de conservação, caracterização construtiva das moradias, e após a associação dos dados, a tomada de decisão sobre a necessidade de coleta de amostras atmosféricas. Os resultados das quantidades de fibras /cm³ definem as medidas, monitoramento para (≤ 0,1 f /cm³) ou para (> 0,1 f/cm³), gestão de risco à Saúde Pública e Ambiental na localidade. Instruções técnicas de segurança foram adaptadas do R U para a realidade nacional, com a finalidade de capacitar gestores públicos para ações de desamiantização de pequenas áreas de TCA (20m²) de regiões onde há risco de inalação de fibras de amianto pela população local. Foram elaboradas orientações que abrangem a remoção, manejo, uso de EPIs, EPRs, sinalizações, limpeza, embalagem, coleta, transporte e destinação com segurança ocupacional e ambiental para a grande demanda projetada de pequenos volumes de resíduos de cimento-amianto, geradas de forma difusa, nas moradias de baixa renda do país. Portanto, é premente inserir a gestão sustentável dos MCA em uso e dos RCA de forma segura, na agenda de políticas públicas ambientais e de saúde no país. A desamiantização das moradias será cada vez mais urgente devido a aceleração da degradação das TCA ao longo do tempo pelas alterações climáticas. Os diagnósticos das condições ambientais das moradias ajudam a prevenir problemas de saúde causados pela inalação das fibras de amianto. A capacitação de gestores por meio das instruções técnicas proporciona parceria para a desamiantização das moradias de baixa renda e reduzem o descarte irregular dos RCA, enquanto novas rotas tecnológicas devem ser estabelecidas para seu retorno ao mercado consumidor, mitigando a destinação em aterros classe I. Medidas alinhadas aos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável, ODS 12 para consumo e produção responsáveis.

The management of waste construction (CDW) is a challenge to public administrators, the study of the management system of the municipality of São Paulo conducted in this Thesis, after five years of effectiveness of the online collection tracking system in the city, pointed out improvements, such as the improvement of the supervision of the CDW in transport and at destination, and the increase in the number of Ecopontos, however, despite the increase in the flow for small volumes, hazardous CDW remain on the margin of this infrastructure, depending on reverse logistics that does not always meet the diversity of CDW generated, such as small volumes of asbestos-cement materials (ACM). For the estimation of the amount of ACM, the evolution of the market and the banning of asbestos were researched, collecting data on the internal consumption of chrysotile, from 1998 (period of use permission) to 2017 (year of ban), the generation of cement waste -asbestos (CWA) (2012 to 2017), as well as the percentage of fibers per composite and durability factor. There was a significant difference between the average annual production of ACM (1.38 million t) and the generation of CWA (17 thousand t), evidencing a large amount in use and that the installed capacity of class I landfills in the country is below the projected CWA demand. The UK international management system chosen provides clear technical instructions to the self-builders, for the safe removal of small volumes of asbestos cement and provides the flow of these wastes by the appropriate transport and disposal, through the hiring of a regulated company, intermediated by the Government. The elaborate flowchart makes it possible for managers verify in a simplified way the risk of using asbestos-cement tiles (ACT) in low-income homes, by identifying ACT, checking their state of conservation, constructive characterization of the homes, and after associating the data, decision making on the need to collect atmospheric samples. The results of the amounts of fibers /cm³ define the measures, monitoring for (≤ 0.1 f/cm³) or for (> 0.1 f/cm³), risk management to Public and Environmental Health in the location. Technical safety instructions were adapted from the R U to the national reality, with the purpose of training public managers for asbestos removal actions in small areas of ACT (20m²) in regions where there is a risk of inhalation of asbestos fibers by the local population. Guidelines were developed covering the removal, handling, use of PPE, EPRs, signaling, cleaning, packaging, collection, transportation and disposal with occupational and environmental safety for the large projected demand of small volumes of asbestos-cement waste, generated in a diffuse, in the country's low-income housing. Therefore, it is urgent to insert the sustainable management of the ACMs in use and the ACWs in a safe manner, on the agenda of environmental and health public policies in the country. The asbestos removal of housing will be increasingly urgent due to the acceleration degradation of ACTs over time by climate change. Diagnosing the environmental conditions of the housing will help prevent health problems caused by the inhalation asbestos fibers. The training of managers through technical instructions provides a partnership for the asbestos removal of low-income housing and reduces the irregular disposal of ACW, while new technological routes must be established for their return to the consumer market, mitigating the disposal in class I landfills. Measures aligned with sustainable development goals, SDG 12 for responsible consumption and production.

Reflexiones sobre la evolución histórica y antropocéntrica del concepto de la salud ambiental / Reflections on the historical and anthropocentric evolution of the concept of environmental health

La salud ambiental es un concepto multifactorial, desarrollado por el logro interdisciplinario nacido a la luz de las comprensiones multidinámicas de sus factores determinantes. Estos aspectos que le conforman, hacen del concepto de salud ambiental una combinación plurifactorial de saberes desarrollados en el tiempo y que son la base de esta construcción conceptual, enriquecida a la luz de la comprensión del hombre, de sus interrelaciones con el medio ambiente y su papel determinante en la preservación del mismo, para beneficio de las presentes y futuras generación. Esta evaluación crítica de nuestro papel como especie en el control y cuidado del medio ambiente, ha favorecido la toma de consciencia de que nuestras acciones son determinantes en resarcir el daño realizado, donde por factores como la contaminación del aire, el agua, la deposición de residuos peligrosos, entre otros, está causando un daño y afectando sensiblemente la salud de la población, con repercusiones a nivel mundial. Por otra parte, esta toma de consciencia está generando acciones muy positivas en pro del ambiente, dando el debido reconocimiento constitucional que la Madre Tierra se merece, siendo reconocida en la Constitución de la República del Ecuador como un Sujeto de Derecho y no como un Objeto, como una contribución de los países Latinoamericanos a las profundas transformaciones que en materia de salud ambiental, requiere el mundo actual, en beneficio directo de la salud pública del planeta y todos los seres vivos que en el habitan(AU)

Environmental health is a multifactorial concept, developed by interdisciplinary achievement born in light of multidynamic understandings of its determining factors. These aspects that make it up, make the concept of environmental health a multifactorial combination of knowledge developed over time and that are the basis of this conceptual construction, enriched in the light of the understanding of man, his interrelationships with the environment and his determining role in its preservation, for the benefit of present and future generations. This critical evaluation of our role as a species in the control and care of the environment has favored the awareness that our actions are decisive in compensating for the damage done, where factors such as air pollution, water, the deposition of hazardous waste, among others, is causing damage and significantly affecting the health of the population, with repercussions worldwide. On the other hand, this awareness is generating very positive actions in favor of the environment, giving due constitutional recognition that Mother Earth deserves, being recognized in the constitution of the Republic of Ecuador as a Subject of Law and not as an Object. , as a contribution of the Latin American countries to the profound transformations that the current world requires in terms of environmental health, for the direct benefit of the public health of the planet and all the living beings that inhabit it(AU)

Controle de estoque e de banco de reagentes: estratégia para minimização de resíduos químicos em instituição de ensino e pesquisa / Inventory control and reagent arrangement system: strategy for minimizing chemical waste in a teaching and research institution

Os resíduos químicos (RQ) compreendem uma infinidade de substâncias, misturas e materiais gerados nas mais variadas atividades. Nas universidades, os RQ tendem a ser diversificados e complexos, muitos dos quais são incompatíveis entre si e com as embalagens de acondicionamento disponíveis, o que demanda atenção especial, conhecimento e, cada vez mais, pesquisas sobre essa problemática. Este trabalho objetivou estudar a dinâmica de gerenciamento de RQ em instituição de ensino e pesquisa voltada à área da saúde, com a finalidade de identificá-los e caracterizá-los, propondo alternativas de redução da geração, maior controle de tais resíduos e, portanto, melhoria nas condições de segurança de trabalhadores e estudantes. Trata-se de estudo transversal realizado em sete Laboratórios de Investigação Médica (LIM), pertencentes ao complexo do Hospital das Clínicas, da Faculdade de Medicina e do Instituto de Medicina Tropical da Universidade de São Paulo. Os RQ gerados nos sete LIM, no período de novembro de 2017 a abril de 2019, foram classificados de acordo com o Sistema Globalmente Harmonizado de Classificação e Rotulagem de Produtos Químicos (GHS) e a legislação de transportes de cargas perigosas. Também foi estabelecida a classificação de RQ incompatíveis, conforme Método EPA-600/2-80-076. Por meio de questionário pré-elaborado, foram coletados dados quanto ao planejamento de uso de reagentes e aos procedimentos de descarte de RQ. Os resultados apontam que, na perspectiva do GHS, o código H319 (provoca irritação ocular grave) é o mais frequente em quatro laboratórios. Nos outros LIM, foram encontrados os seguintes registros majoritários para cada laboratório: H314 (provoca queimadura severa à pele e dano aos olhos); H331 (tóxico se inalado); H315 (provoca irritação à pele). No escopo do transporte externo, em avaliação conjunta dos sete laboratórios, as classes ou subclasses de risco mais comuns foram: 6.1 (substâncias tóxicas, 96 casos), 3 (líquidos inflamáveis, 93), 8 (substâncias corrosivas, 82), 9 (substâncias e artigos perigosos diversos, 30) e 5.1 (substâncias oxidantes, 16). O Método EPA-600/2-80-076 permitiu a elucidação de incompatibilidades existentes em 6 (86%) dos laboratórios, contabilizando 182 casos de substâncias que, se misturadas, podem reagir. Foram gerados 42,8 quilogramas de RQ por expiração de prazo de validade ou declaração de que o material não possuía condições de uso. Em relação ao questionário, foram obtidas 16 respostas, das quais 12 (75%) assinalaram a ausência de profissional de química no laboratório. Dez respondentes (63%) indicaram não haver treinamento formal sobre consumo consciente de reagentes químicos e gerenciamento de resíduos. Outros aspectos deficitários são: reavaliação da quantidade de reagentes adquirida, redução do desperdício, reaproveitamento, reutilização e permuta de produtos. Pode-se concluir que, no âmbito laboratorial e no transporte externo, os RQ gerados nos setores estudados possuem grande variedade referente à periculosidade. Verifica-se a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento do atual processo de gerenciamento de produtos químicos e RQ, quanto aos procedimentos de identificação (rotulagem), classificação, acondicionamento, quantificação e controle de estoques, além da capacitação de trabalhadores e estudantes. Essas etapas estão interligadas, impactam o ambiente, a integridade física e a saúde dos expostos e podem induzir a perdas materiais. Os resultados do estudo podem ser replicados a realidades similares que envolvem produtos e resíduos químicos em laboratórios.

Chemical waste (CW) comprises a multitude of substances, mixtures and materials generated in the most varied activities. In universities, the CWs tend to be more diverse and complex, many of which are incompatible with each other and with the available packaging, which requires special attention, knowledge and, increasingly, research on this issue. This work aimed to study the CW management's dynamics in a teaching and research institution focused on the health area, with the purpose of identifying and characterizing them, suggesting alternatives that entail to the reduction of generation, better control of residues and, therefore, to the improvement in the safety conditions of employees and students. This is a cross-sectional study carried out in seven Medical Research Laboratories (MRL), belonging to the complex composed by Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina and Instituto de Medicina Tropical of Universidade de São Paulo. The CWs originated in the seven MRL, from November 2017 to April 2019, were categorized according to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) and the Laws for the transport of dangerous cargo. The rating was stablished according to Method EPA-600/2-80-076 of incompatible CW. Through a pre drawn up questionnaire, data were collected regarding the planning of use of reagents and the procedures for the disposal of chemical waste. The results show that, from the perspective of the GHS, the code H319 (causes serious eye irritation) is the most frequent in four laboratories. In the others, the following major records were found for each laboratory: H314 (causes severe skin burns and eye damage); H331 (toxic if inhaled); H315 (causes skin irritation). In the scope of external transport operation, carrying out the joint assessment of the seven laboratories, the most common risk classes or subclasses were: 6.1 (toxic substances, 96 cases), 3 (flammable liquids, 93), 8 (corrosive substances, 82), 9 (miscellaneous of dangerous substances and articles, 30) and 5.1 (oxidizing substances, 16). The EPA-600 / 2-80-076 method allowed the elucidation of a series of incompatibilities existing in 6 (86%) of the laboratories, accounting for 182 cases of substances that, if mixed, can react. It was verified that 42.8 kilograms of CW were generated by expiry of validity or statement that the material did not have conditions of use. Regarding the questionnaire, 16 responses were obtained, of which 12 (75%) indicated the absence of a chemistry professional in the laboratory. Ten survey respondents (63%) indicated that there was no formal training on conscious consumption of chemical reagents and waste management. Other deficient aspects refer to the reassessment of the quantity of reagents acquired by the laboratories, the reduction of wastage, the reuse and exchange of products. It can be concluded that, both in the laboratory scope and in the design/layout of external transport, the CW generated in the studied sectors have a great variety in terms of dangerousness. Currently, the improvement of chemicals products and CW management process is an essential demand, regarding the procedures for identification (label), classification, packaging, qualification and control of stocks, beyond to the training of workers and students. These interrelated steps affect the environment, physical integrity and health of exposed people and can induce to material losses. The study results can be replicated to similar realities involving chemical products and CW in laboratories.

Gerenciamento intra-hospitalar dos resíduos químicos perigosos manuseados pela enfermagem / Intra-hospital management of hazardous chemical waste handled by nurses / Gestión intrahospitalaria de los residuos químicos peligrosos manejados por la enfermería

Objetivo: avaliar as etapas de gerenciamento dos resíduos químicos perigosos - formaldeído e ortoftaldeído, manuseados pela enfermagem. Método: pesquisa descritiva e coleta de dados realizada de setembro a dezembro de 2012, no Hospital Universitário da Universidade de São Paulo, por meio da aplicação da Ficha de Informação de Gerenciamento de Resíduo Químico Perigoso dos resíduos formaldeído e ortoftaldeído gerados, respectivamente, no centro obstétrico e endoscopia. Projeto aprovado por Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: a análise estatística dos dados evidenciou que foram atendidas 3 (13%) especificações do total de 23 (100%) necessárias, com prevalência da identificação, seguida da segregação e nenhuma do transporte interno dos resíduos. Há necessidade de a instituição cumprir as especificações de identificações gerais em relação ao número total de avaliações nos recipientes de resíduos de formaldeído e ortoftaldeído. Conclusão: esta pesquisa proporcionou importantes diretrizes para a elaboração do Plano de Gerenciamento de Resíduos Químicos Perigosos da atenção hospitalar.

Objective: to evaluate the stages in management of hazardous chemical waste handled by nursing staff. Method: in this descriptive study, data was collected from September to December 2012 at São Paulo University Hospital, by applying the Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Information Sheet for formaldehyde and ortho-phthalaldehyde waste in the obstetric center and endoscopy, respectively. The study was approved by the research ethics committee. Results: data analysis showed that 3 (13%) of the 23 (100%) required specifications were met, predominantly identification, followed by segregation, and that none on internal waste transportation were met. The institution needs to comply with general identification specifications regarding the total number of evaluations of formaldehyde and orthophthaldehyde waste containers. Conclusion: this study also yielded important guidelines for preparation of the hospital care Hazardous Chemical Waste Management Plan.

Objetivo: evaluar las etapas de la gestión de los residuos químicos peligrosos - formaldehído y ortoftaldehído, manejados por la enfermería. Métodos: investigación descriptiva y recolección de datos realizada, de septiembre a diciembre de 2012, en el Hospital Universitario de la Universidad de São Paulo, por medio de la aplicación de la Ficha de Información de Gestión de Residuo Químico Peligroso de los residuos de formaldehído y ortoftaldehído generados, respectivamente, en el Centro de Obstetricia y Endoscopía. Proyecto aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: el análisis estadístico de los datos mostró que fueron atendidas 3 (13%) especificaciones del total de 23 (100%) requeridas, con prevalencia de la identificación, seguida por la segregación y ninguna relacionada al transporte interno de los residuos. Es necesario que la institución cumpla con las especificaciones de identificaciones generales en relación al número total de evaluaciones en los recipientes de residuos de formaldehído y ortoftaldehído. Conclusión: la investigación proporcionó importantes directrices para la elaboración del Plan de Gestión de Residuos Químicos Peligrosos de la atención hospitalaria.

Contaminantes emergentes y su impacto en la salud / Emerging contaminants and its impact on the health

El desarrollo industrial de las últimas décadas, ha traído como consecuencia la acumulación de sustancias que provocan daño en el medio ambiente y la salud. Actualmente, se han detectado sustancias que siempre han estado presentes, pero que han pasado desapercibidas por falta de técnicas adecuadas para su identificación, a las cuales se les llama "contaminantes emergentes", entre ellas se encuentran productos como:fármacos, plaguicidas, cosméticos, artículos de limpieza y aseo personal entre otros. Este artículo presenta una revisión de la evidencia disponible y la importancia del estudio de los contaminante emergentes y su impacto en el medio ambiente y en la salud. Los contaminantes emergentes, son sustancias que a pesar de que pueden ser biodegradables, son muy peligrosas para el ambiente y el organismo humano debido a su bioacumulación y persistencia. Otro grave problema radica en el hecho de que actualmente, las plantas de tratamiento de aguas residuales, no los eliminan, por lo que es importante el desarrollo de nuevas tecnologías de depuración.

The industrial development of the last decades has caused the accumulationof substances that damage the environment and health.Recently, somesubstances have been detected, they have always been present, but theyhave gone unnoticed due to a lack of adequate techniques for their iden-tification, which are called "emerging contaminants", including productssuch as drugs, pesticides, cosmetics, cleaning and personal hygiene items,among others.This article presents a review of the available evidence and the importanceof the study of emerging contaminants and their impact on the environ-ment and health. The emerging contaminants are substances that although they can be biodegradable, are very dangerous forthe environment and the human organism due totheir bioaccumulation and persistence.Another seriousproblem lies in the fact that the current water treat-ment plants do not eliminate them, so the develop-ment of new purification technologies is important.

Manejo de residuos biológicos peligrosos y conocimiento de infecciones asociadas en estudiantes de la Clínica Odontológica de la Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez; Juliaca ­ 2016 / Handling of hazardous biological waste and knowledge of associated infections in students of the Odontological Clinic of the Universidad Andina Nestor Caceres Velasquez; Juliaca ­ 2016

Objetivos: Establecer el nivel de conocimiento de infecciones asociadas frente al manejo de residuos biológicos peligrosos en el desarrollo de actividades en la clínica odontológica de la universidad andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez. Materiales y métodos: El estudio realizado se sustenta de carácter documental descriptivo, porque tiene una orientación a descubrir el real significado de los comportamientos de los estudiantes de la Facultad de Odontología frente al uso de la clínica odontología de la universidad corroborado mediante la aplicación de encuestas pre codificadas a los alumnos que desarrollan las cursos prácticos en la clínica odontológica. Resultados: En los estudiantes del campo clínico odontológico un 57% que representa a 86 estudiantes con un bajo conocimiento, un 37% que representa a 56 alumnos tienen un conocimiento medio y solo un 5% que representa a 8 alumnos manifiesta tener un conocimiento alto. Conclusiones: Se establece un conocimiento regular en un 58% sobre las infecciones asociadas al manejo de residuos biológicos peligrosos, encontrando que en un 30% aun consideran que estas no transmiten infecciones donde solo en un 58% utilizan guantes o en un 31% pinzas para operar los residuos biológicos peligrosos. (AU)

Objectives: To establish the level of knowledge of associated infections in relation to the management of hazardous biological waste in the development of activities in the dentistry clinic of the Universidad Andina Néstor Cáceres Velásquez. Materials and methods: The study is based on descriptive documentary, because it has an orientation to discover the real meaning of the behaviors of students of the Faculty of Dentistry versus the use of clinical dentistry of the university corroborated by the application of surveys Pre coded to the students who develop the practical courses in the dental clinic. Results: In the dental clinic students, 57% represent 86 students with low knowledge, 37% representing 56 students have an average knowledge and only 5% representing 8 students shows a high knowledge. Conclusions: A 58% regular knowledge on infections associated with the management of hazardous biological waste is established, finding that 30% still consider that they do not transmit infections where only 58% use gloves or 31% operate hazardous biological waste. (AU)

Evaluación de la gestión de residuos peligrosos (respel) y sus implicaciones en el desarrollo sostenible de las actividades productivas en cinco municipios del departamento del quindío, colombia / Assessment of hazardous waste management (respel) and its implications for sustainable development of productive activities in five municipalities of the department of quindio, colombia

Objetivos: Revisar la normatividad de residuos peligrosos en Colombia, su aplicabilidad y reglamentación, en un departamento pequeño que tiene una reducida generación, con el fin de identificar los vacíos existentes y la aplicabilidad de la política ambiental nacional, así como un análisis DOFA en la aplicabilidad de la normatividad de residuos peligrosos en el departamento del Quindío, comprobando la gestión integral y sus implicaciones. Metodología: La revisión incluyó la revisión de la comprensión de la normatividad, así como la bibliografía usada en la formulación de la política, los casos exitosos en otros países y la realización de encuestas en el trabajo de campo a los generadores de residuos, con lo cual se obtuvo la información necesaria para evaluar la aplicación de la Política Nacional en el departamento del Quindío. Resultados: Se visibilizaron las realidades de los generadores de residuos peligrosos en los cinco municipios del Quindío frente a la normativa ambiental y la Política Nacional, se encontró que la normativa nacional excluye a este sector, toda vez que hace exigencias que son difíciles de cumplir, por tanto no se aplica la norma. Discusión: Actualmente, no se promueve a nivel regional y nacional, la gestión de residuos peligrosos ni las opciones que faciliten el cumplimiento de las normas específicas, sin poner en riesgo la sustentabilidad ambiental, la sostenibilidad económica y social de los generadores de residuos peligrosos en los cinco municipios del Quindío. Conclusiones: Como producto de la investigación, se propone un modelo de gestión de residuos peligrosos, con dos variables dependiendo del volumen y características de los residuos generados, que incluye el ajuste normativo, la asociatividad de los generadores, una modificación del marco tarifario (con base en la regulación de los parámetros críticos de recolección y transporte), y el acompañamiento de los sectores comprometidos con la sostenibilidad ambiental, principalmente con la capacitación, formación ambiental y fortalecimiento técnico referido al manejo de los residuos o desechos peligrosos (líquidos, gaseosos, sólidos), orgánicos (que pueden tener procesos de compostaje) e inorgánicos (que pueden ser utilizados como reciclado o reutilizados como logística reversa o inversa) y los inservibles. Existe un gran desafío para un país, en especial cuando éste se enmarca en compromisos de convenios internacionales, al no tener en cuenta la heterogeneidad de las regiones, en cuanto a las capacidades de gestión y eliminación adecuada de residuos.

Objectives: To review the regulations for hazardous waste in Colombia, its applicability and regulation, in a small Department that has a reduced generation in order to identify gaps, and the applicability of the national environmental policy, as well as a DAFO analysis in the applicability of the regulations of hazardous waste in the department of Quindío, checking integrated management and its implications. Methodology: The revision included a review of the understanding of the regulations, as well as the literature used in the formulation of the policy, the successful cases in other countries and surveys to waste generators in the field work, with the purpose of obtaining the information needed to evaluate the implementation of the National Policy in the Department of Quindío. Results: The realities of hazardous waste generators became visible in the five municipalities of Quindío against the environmental regulations and the National Policy. It was found that the national legislation excludes this sector since it makes demands that are difficult to fulfill, therefore the rule is not applied. Discussion: Currently, management of hazardous waste or options to facilitate the achievement of specific standards without compromising environmental, economic and social sustainability of the generators of hazardous waste in the five municipalities of Quindío is not promoted at the regional and national level. Conclusions: As a result of the research, a model of hazardous waste management is proposed with two variables depending on the volume and characteristics of waste generated including regulatory setting, the association of the generators, a modification of the rate structure (based on the regulation of critical collection and transport parameters), and the accompaniment of the sectors committed to environmental sustainability, mainly through training, environmental education and technical strengthening relative to the handling of residues or hazardous waste (liquid, gaseous, solids), organic (which may have composting processes) and inorganic (which can be used as recycled or reused as reverse or inverse logistics) and unusable. There is a great challenge for a country, especially when it is part of commitments to international conventions, when it does not take into account the heterogeneity of the regions in terms of management skills and proper waste disposal.

Evaluating the fenton process efficiency in removal of reactive red 2 from aqueous solution

Introduction: Dyes are visible materials and are considered as one of the hazardous components that make up industrial waste. Therefore it is removed from bodies of water, using various methods. In this regard, the Fenton oxidation process is one of the most effective ways to remove colored contaminants in aquatic environments, which has many applications today

Materials and Methods: In this empirical study, the effect of the Fenton oxidation process in the removal of the soluble synthetic dye, Reactive Red 2 [RR2], has been studied. The color removal efficiency of the Fenton process in the presence of ferrous sulfate and hydrogen peroxide at different reaction variables were studied in the Jar Test when initial concentration of the dye was 10 mg/L at constant pH = 3 and lab temperature

Results: The results showed that concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and iron ions influence the maximum removal efficiency

Conclusion: According to the survey results, Fenton oxidation is an effective method for the removal of RR2 dye from aqueous solutions

LÓGICA DE LA GESTIÓN AMBIENTALMENTE ADECUADA Y PATRÓN DE DESARROLLO SUSTENTABLE EN AMÉRICA LATINA: EL TEMA EMBLEMÁTICO DE LAS POLÍTICAS DE RESIDUOS PELIGROSOS EN ARGENTINA EN LOS AÑOS 90 / LOGICS OF ENVIRONMENTALLY ADEQUATE MANAGEMENT AND THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PATTERN: THE EMBLEMATIC ISSUE OF THE HAZARDOUS WASTE POLICIES IN ARGENTINA IN THE 90' s

Este trabajo presenta un análisis político-discursivo del proceso de ecologización experimentado por los mercados y Estados latinoamericanos durante la década de los 90 a través del estudio del tema emblemático de las políticas de gestión ambientalmente adecuada de residuos peligrosos en Argentina. La perspectiva en la que se inscribe este artículo es la del análisis posmarxista de políticas que busca poner énfasis en los momentos fundacionales de los procesos de significación implicados en las políticas públicas. Para la comprensión y crítica de tal proceso de ecologización, se identificó a la lógica de la gestión ambientalmente adecuada como categoría que permitió condensar un cúmulo de prácticas discursivas orientadas a: reducir al Estado a mero gestor del mercado, autorrestringir sus atribuciones soberanas y limitar su tarea en torno a los residuos peligrosos a la función registral en pos de favorecer a las estrategias de autocontrol empresarial. La explicación del problema de investigación construida a partir de la lógica de la gestión ambientalmente adecuada dio lugar, a su vez, a la identificación de una hipótesis explicativa central del proceso de ecologización de los años 90 en Argentina y América Latina: al desarrollo sustentable en tanto patrón de desarrollo y referencia de sentido central en la década a la hora de significar a los problemas ambientales y sus soluciones más adecuadas. La idea de patrón implica, en este caso, antes que cualquier pretendida intervención humanitaria-ecológica internacional para la protección técnica del entorno natural, la vía más adecuada para, por un lado, la radicalización de las condiciones estructuralmente heterogéneas de una economía periférica como la Argentina y, por otro, la profundización de las asimetrías entre los países del Norte y los del Sur así como también la transnacionalización del aparato productivo nacional.

This article presents a discursive-political analysis of the greening process experienced by the markets and Latin American States during the 90's through the study of the emblematic issue of the environmentally sound management policies of hazardous waste in Argentina. The perspective of this article is the post-Marxist analysis of policies that seeks to put emphasis on the founding moments of significant processes involved in public policies. To understand and critique such greening process, it was necessary to identify the logic of the adequate environmentally sound management as a category that allowed condensing a cluster of discursive practices aimed at: reducing the State to mere market operator, self-restrict its sovereign powers, and limit its work around hazardous waste to the information recording function towards favoring strategies of business self-control. The explanation of the research problem constructed from the logic of the environmentally sound management led, in turn, to the identification of a central explanatory hypothesis of the greening process in the 90's in Argentina and Latin America: sustainable development as development pattern and central reference point in the decade when it comes to signify environmental problems and their most adequate solutions. The idea of pattern implies in this case, rather than any supposed international humanitarian-ecological intervention for the technical protection of the natural environment, the most adequate, on one hand, for the radicalization of structurally heterogeneous conditions of peripheral economy such as the Argentinian economy and, on the other hand, to go deeper into the asymmetries between the North and South countries as well as the transnationalism of the national productive.

Conhecimentos, atitudes e práticas dos profissionais de saúdes obre o gerenciamento de resíduos farmacêuticos e o risco ambiental: um estudo de caso em uma unidade hospitalar / Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals on the management of pharmaceutical waste and environmental risk: a case study in a hospital

Introdução: Os resíduos farmacêuticos são aqueles contendo produtos farmacêuticos como,por exemplo: medicamentos vencidos ou que não necessitam mais serem utilizados,englobando também os itens contaminados ou contendo medicamentos, como ampolas,seringas, frascos etc., sendo caracterizados como resíduos perigosos dos serviços de saúde. As práticas de descarte dos resíduos farmacêuticos, combinadas com a excreção fisiológica dos fármacos e seus metabólitos, podem favorecer a incorporação de substâncias com atividade farmacológica em especial na cadeia trófica aquática. O desconhecimento ou a falta de informações sobre o correto gerenciamento dos resíduos farmacêuticos em serviços de saúde faz com que em muitos casos estes resíduos sejam ignorados, com consequências ainda incertas na saúde pública e no meio ambiente, ou recebam um tratamento com excesso de zelo, onerando os recursos das instituições de saúde. Objetivos: Analisar os conhecimentos,atitudes e práticas, bem como a percepção de risco ambiental, em profissionais de saúde de uma realidade hospitalar pública na cidade do Rio de Janeiro frente ao gerenciamento dos resíduos farmacêuticos. Metodologia: Trata-se de estudo exploratório, com aplicação de questionário auto preenchido em profissionais das classes médica, enfermagem e farmácia, de níveis superior e técnico, e visita observacional às áreas de atenção da instituição com aplicação de lista de verificação. A amostra foi composta por 313 profissionais de saúde e a visita foi realizada em cinco locais de diferentes áreas de atenção. Foram calculados indicadores compostos relacionados aos aspectos avaliados com o questionário. Resultados: Observou-se baixo nível de conhecimento relacionado ao gerenciamento dos resíduos farmacêuticos, além de atitudes e práticas inadequadas de gerenciamento destes resíduos nos locais geradores, principalmente devido às deficiências na etapa de segregação dos resíduos farmacêuticos e dúvidas quanto à adequação dos métodos de descarte disponíveis nos locais de trabalho. Apesar da percepção de risco ambiental relacionada aos resíduos farmacêuticos mostrar-se alta entre os profissionais participantes, observaram-se diferenças nas opiniões acerca do risco ambiental entre diferentes classes terapêuticas de medicamentos. A falta de procedimentos e instruções para o descarte ou devolução de resíduos farmacêuticos foi evidenciada durante as visitas observacionais. Foram sugeridos pelos profissionais entrevistados material educativo, treinamento e elaboração de rotinas para o descarte dos resíduos farmacêuticos, para minimizar o possível risco ambiental. Conclusões: Há necessidade de capacitação e educação sobre o tema, além de melhorias na infraestrutura nos locais geradores de resíduos farmacêuticos, com definição de procedimentos para o gerenciamento mais adequado destes resíduos, contribuindo assim para o cumprimento efetivo do plano de gerenciamento de resíduos da instituição e diminuição dos riscos ao meio ambiente.

Introduction: Pharmaceutical waste are expired or no longer needed medications, also including items contaminated by or containing pharmaceuticals such as ampoules, syringesand vials. This type of waste is regarded as a hazardous medical waste and may pose a varietyof environmental and health risks. Disposal practices for pharmaceutical products, combinedwith the physiological excretion of drugs and their metabolites, may favour the incorporationof substances with pharmacological activity especially in the aquatic food chain. Lack of information on the correct and safe management of pharmaceutical waste in health care services may cause adverse consequences on public health and the environment, also burdening the resources of health institutions by overzealous treatment. Objectives: The main objective of this investigation is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, practices and perception of environmental risk of the disposal of pharmaceutical waste, in health care professionals of apublic tertiary hospital in Rio de Janeiro. Methodology: This is an exploratory study using aself-administered questionnaire to doctors, nurses, pharmacists and their technical staff, and observational visits with checklist. Indicators for the questionnaire aspects (knowledge, attitudes and practices, risk perception) were calculated. Results: Three hundred and thirteen healthcare professionals answered the questionnaire. There were low scores of knowled gerelated to the management of pharmaceutical waste, as well as in attitudes and practicesscores, mainly due to deficiencies in waste separation, and doubts about the suitability of disposal methods available in the workplace. Despite the high scores on perception of environmental risk indicator, there were differences in opinions about the environmental risk between different therapeutic classes of drugs. In the open-ended question, the respondents suggested actions concerning increasing information, training, educating and policies towards disposing pharmaceutical wastes to minimise the risk. Observational visits were conducted atfive different areas of attention and have shown that there is a lack of procedures and instructions for disposal or return of pharmaceutical waste. Conclusions: These findings suggest that there is need for training and education on the topic, as well as improvements in infrastructure of waste generators locations and defining procedures for the appropriate management of pharmaceutical waste, thus contributing to the effective implementation of the institutional hospital waste management plan and reducing risks to the environment.

Management of “SHARPS” Wastes in Manila Hospitals (Part 3) Off -Site Management of Hazardous Healthcare Wastes in Six Tertiary Hospitals in South Manila, Philippines

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The aim of this study was to determine if the collection, treatment and final disposal of hospital hazardous wastes conform to the rules and regulations and standards set by the Philippine Government and the World Health Organization (WHO). <br /><strong>METHODS:</strong> Three private and three government tertiary hospitals located in South Manila were randomly chosen and the companies that provides them with hospital waste disposal services were asked to participate in the study to validate their conformity to the national and international hazardous waste disposal standards. Validation was done through the use of observer checklists and photographs.<br /><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Results of the study showed that there were four companies who services 6 selected hospitals included in the study. All of these conformed to the standards of the World Health Organization, and to rules and regulations as set by the Philippine government. All of the companies conformed as to standards for Legal Permits, Off-site Transport, Personal Protective Devices and Off-Site Waste Disposal.<br /><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> All of the companies servicing the 6 selected hospitals conformed to the standards set by WHO and the Philippine government.</p>

Normativas para la gestión de residuos biopatogénicos en Argentina / Regulations on bio-pathogenic waste management in Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: la gestión de los residuos de establecimientos de atención de la salud plantea variados problemas técnicos y es influida por las circunstancias culturales, sociales yeconómicas. En Argentina, la operación está inmersa en un complejo escenario legal donde coexisten 18 marcos legislativos diferentes para residuos biopatogénicos. OBJETIVOS: Proveer las herramientas para la construcción colectiva y federal de presupuestos mínimos en la materia. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una revisión comparativa de las leyes provinciales y sus decretos reglamentarios, cotejándolas con la ley nacional para cada aspecto y siguiendo las sucesivas etapas de la gestión interna de los residuos generados en establecimientos de atención de la salud. RESULTADOS: Se relevaron 67 normas: 5 nacionales, 40 leyes provinciales y 22 decretos provinciales. En la mayoría de los ítems comparados se observó una gran diversidad de criterios y diferente nivel de profundización. CONCLUSIONES: Argentina necesita poner en agenda la actualización de las normativas de residuos de establecimientos de atención de la salud con un enfoque inclusivo de la salud ambiental y laboral, para construir presupuestos mínimos en la temática de manera colectiva y federal.

INTRODUCTION: health care waste management poses various technical problems and is influenced by cultural,social and economic contexts. In Argentina, this takes place in a complex legal scenario with the coexistence of 18 different legalframeworks for bio-pathogenic waste. OBJECTIVES: To provide the tools for the collective federal construction of mínimum agreements in this field. METHODS: A comparative review wasperformed on provincial laws and their regulatory decrees. It involved a comparison with the national law for every aspect, following the successive stages of internal health care wastemanagement. RESULTS: The review included 67 legal dispositions: 5 at national level, 40 provincial laws and 22 provincial decrees. Most of the items showed a great diversity of criteria and different depth level. CONCLUSIONS: Argentina needs toupdate the regulations on health care waste management with an inclusive approach to environmental and occupational health, in order to develop the collective federal construction of minimum agreements.

Coletânea técnica CVS 01: meio ambiente / Technical collection CVS 01: environment

Eis aqui apresentado em coletânea um conjunto de normas e orientações técnicas que evidencia o rico universo temático relativo às questões ambientais a cargo da Vigilância Sanitária no Estado de São Paulo.Além de servir à consulta rápida dos profissionais das instâncias regionais e municipais do Sistema Estadual de Vigilância Sanitária (Sevisa), a coletânea tem o propósito de permitir uma visão em perspectiva dos modos de se regular os fatores ambientais de risco à saúde que se manifestaram de diferentes formas no território paulista nessas últimas duas décadas.Esta visão panorâmica remete à necessária reflexão a respeito do ofício voltado ao controle do risco sanitário e à proteção da saúde da população paulista. Pois assim, a coletânea expressa algum tanto dos desafios que o Estado de São Paulo enfrenta para o pleno desenvolvimento e bem-estar de sua gente.Ao agregar as normas e orientações mais representativas de temática ambiental elaboradas pelo CVS num período de 23 anos (1991 a 2014), a publicação retrata modos de se abordar problemas sanitários que coincidem com o processo de estruturação da Vigilância Sanitária em São Paulo, em consonância com as diretrizes constitucionais de descentralização hierarquizada das ações do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS)...

Ozônio no controle de micro-organismos em resíduos de serviços de saúde / Ozone in the control of microorganisms in health care waste el / Ozono en el control de los microorganismos los resíduos de los servicios de la salud

Os resíduos dos serviços de saúde estão recebendo merecida atenção nos últimos anos, não pela quantidade gerada, mas pelo risco potencial que representa à saúde e ao meio ambiente. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar a eficiência do ozônio no controle in vitro de micro-organismos isolados de Resíduos de Serviço de Saúde (RSS). Para os procedimentos microbiológicos foram retirados 10,0 g de RSS e diluídos em 90,0 mL de solução de NaCl (0,5%) e 0,1 mL de cada diluição foi inoculada em placas contendo os meios agarizados, incubados a 37 ºC por 24-48 horas. Suspensões bacterianas foram expostas ao ozônio de forma direta por meio de um difusor. Foram identificados os seguintes micro-organismos patogênicos: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Clostridiumtetani, Staphylococcus sp, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum gypseum e Clostridium sp.Concluiu-se que o ozônio é eficiente no controle in vitro de micro-organismos isolados de RSS.

Waste from health care services are receiving the required attention in the last years, not for the amount generated, but for its potential risk towards health and environment. This study had as its main goal to verify the efficiency of the ozone in the in vitro control of isolated microorganisms in health care waste. For microbiological procedures 10.0 g of health care waste was used, diluted in 90.0 mL of NaCl (0.5%) and 0.1 mL of each dilution was inoculatedin plates containing agar media, incubated at 37 ºC for 24-48 hours. Bacterial suspensions were exposed to ozonedirectly through a diffuser. The following pathogenic microorganisms were identified: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonasaeruginosa, Candida albicans, Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus sp, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes,Microsporum gypseum and Clostridium sp. It was concluded that ozone is efficient in the in vitro control of isolated health care waste microorganisms.

Los residuos de los servicios de salud están recibiendo merecida atención en los últimos años, no por la cantidad generada, sino por el riesgo potencial que representan para la salud y el medio ambiente. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la eficacia del ozono en el control in vitro de microorganismos aislados de Residuos de Servicios de Salud (RSS). Para los procedimientos microbiológicos se utilizaron 10,0 g de RSS, se diluyeron en 90,0 mL de soluciónde NaCl (0,5%) y 0,1 mL de cada dilución se inoculó en placas que contenían medios agarizados, se incubaron a 37 ºC durante 24-48 horas. Suspensiones bacterianas fueron expuestas al ozono directamente a través de un difusor. Los siguientes microorganismos patógenos han sido identificados: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candidaalbicans, Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus sp, Aspergillus niger, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporumgypseum y Clostridium sp. Se concluyó que el ozono es eficiente en el control in vitro de microorganismos aislados de RSS.

Factors affecting toxic lead(Ii) ion bioremediation by Fusarium equiseti isolated from the mangrove soil environment of southeast Borneo

Aims: Electronic waste (e-waste) is an inorganic pollutant which causes a serious environmental problem since it contains toxic heavy metals, which cannot be removed from contaminated sites easily. The use of biomaterials for removing heavy metals from contaminated soil and wastewater has emerged as a potential alternative method to the conventional techniques. The present study were aimed to isolate efficient lead tolerant fungi from mangrove soil environment and measure its capability for lead removal from aqueous solution. Methodology and results: Lead tolerant fungal strains were isolated from soil samples using PDA (Potato Dextrose Agar) supplemented with varied concentrations of lead ions (100-500 mg/L). The most tolerant fungal strain was successfully isolated and identified molecularly as Fusarium equiseti KR706303. The isolated fungus was used for biosorption studies using Potato dextrose broth (PDB) supplemented with lead ions. The effects of pH, temperature, initial metal concentration, biomass dose and age, agitation and contact time to the Pb(II) removal efficiency were monitored in the study. The results showed that the optimal parameters for the removal of lead ions such as heavy metal concentration and pH were 300 mg/L, with a maximum Pb(II) adsorption of 97.9% observed at pH 4 and temperature of 30 °C during the batch biosorption experiments. The optimal parameters for biomass dose, agitation speed, contact time and biomass age were observed at 0.04 g, 150 rpm, 60 min and fifth day; respectively. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: The observation in this study revealed that the biomass of the isolated Fusarium equiseti KR706303 has the potential to be used as a biosorbent for heavy metal particularly Pb(II) removal from the contaminated sites. The technology is simple, efficient, cost effective and environmental friendly.

Particulate Matter and Bronchial Asthma / 대한내과학회지

The health impacts of particulate matter (PM) are of global concern, but the implications of the development and exacerbation of bronchial asthma are subject to debate. PM is generated by several sources including vehicle exhaust fumes, the flaring of hydrocarbons at refineries, coal burning at power plants, and thermal treatment of hazardous waste. Recently, the health effects of PM have been documented with increasing frequency due to the greater release of PM from countries such as China. PM is frequently categorized according to mean aerodynamic diameter, with particles ranging in size from coarse (2.5-10 microm in diameter) to fine (< 2.5 microm) to ultrafine (< 0.1 microm). Smaller PM particles are more likely to cause respiratory toxicity and dysfunction due to their propensity to be deposited deep within the lower airways and alveoli. This article briefly reviews the health consequences of PM, with a particular focus on asthma and respiratory disease.

O cadastro nacional de operadores de resíduos perigosos como um dos instrumentos da política nacional de resíduos sólidos / The National Hazardous Waste Operators Register as a tool of the Brazilian National Waste Policy

A geração de resíduos tem aumentado nas últimas décadas, seguindo tendência mundial, devido a fatores culturais, sociais e econômicos. A partir da década de 90, observou-se uma mudança de foco da gestão dos resíduos na União Europeia e Estados Unidos da América, passando-se do controle da destinação final dos resíduos para a minimização e prevenção de sua geração. Grandes geradores e empresas de gerenciamento de resíduos passaram a manter registros sobre a quantidade, classificação e destino dado aos seus resíduos, ao passo que o desenvolvimento de sistemas de informação possibilitou a verificação do cumprimento de metas de prevenção e o acompanhamento de indicadores ambientais relacionados aos resíduos sólidos. No Brasil, a Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos trouxe novos instrumentos e diretrizes à gestão de resíduos sólidos, que poderão proporcionar uma mudança significativa na forma como a questão dos resíduos é tratada no país. Com isto, a pesquisa tem como objetivo estudar a gestão integrada de resíduos sólidos com base no marco legal da Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos, analisando seus princípios, objetivos e instrumentos e, especialmente, o Cadastro Nacional de Operadores de Resíduos Perigosos - CNORP. A estrutura de prestação de informação ao CNORP pelos geradores e operadores de resíduos perigosos é identificada e comparada com diretrizes e instrumentos de políticas de resíduos internacionais relacionados à informação sobre resíduos com aquelas previstas na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. Por fim, é feita uma relação entre o CNORP e os outros instrumentos previstos na política nacional.

The generation of waste has increased in past decades, following global trend due to cultural, social and economic factors. From the 90s, there was a shift in focus of waste management in the European Union and the United States of America, from the controlling of waste disposal to waste prevention and minimization of its generation. Large generators and waste management companies started to keep records on the amount, classification and destination of their waste, while the development of information systems has enabled the verification of compliance with targets prevention and monitoring of environmental indicators related to solid waste. In Brazil, the National Policy on Solid Waste brought new tools and guidelines for the management of solid waste, which may provide a significant change in how the issue of waste is treated in the country. This research aims to study the integrated solid waste management based on the legal framework of the National Policy on Solid Waste, analyzing its principles, objectives and instruments and especially the National Register of Operators of Hazardous Waste - CNORP. The structure of provision of information to CNORP by generators and operators of hazardous waste is identified and compared with international guidelines and policy instruments related to waste information with those set out in National Policy on Solid Waste. This research also relates CNORP with other instruments in national politics.