Investigation on Management of Medical Wastes in Changsha / 环境与健康杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the control of medical waste disposal in Changsha. Methods The kinds, output, collection and disposal of medical wastes were investigated in three general hospitals, one tumor hospital and one paediatric hospital in Changsha. Results The main components of medical wastes were glass, plastic and cotton, which took 55%, 20% and 12% of the total output respectively. The daily outputs of medical wastes were 0.48?0.63 and 0.43 kg per bed in three general hospitals, 0.58 and 0.71 kg per bed in paediatric hospital and tumor hospital respectively. Based on these data, the daily output of medical wastes in Changsha was estimated about 9.390 t. The recovery rate of medical wastes mainly including glass and plastic was 49.32%. The disposal rate of medical wastes only was 1.34%. The rest of medical wastes of 49.34% were mixed into domestic wastes or landfilled. Conclusion The management of medical wastes wasn't perfect in Changsha, which presented potential environmental pollution.