INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL WASTE HANDLING STATE OF KUWAIT

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Institute of Environmental Studies & Research, Ain Shams University

2 The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training State of Kuwait

3 Kuwait Ministry of Helth

Abstract

The objective of the study is to find available alternative methods to reach integrated healthcare waste management in the state of Kuwait. Such methods would minimize the risks result from medical waste that affects healthcare staff, public health, and the environment and to help bring the Kuwait ministry of health legislation closer to Kuwait Environment Public Authority standards and legislation. A survey among a sample of 386 staff of 6 governmental hospitals in state of Kuwait indicates that there is lack in cleaner’s knowledge. A field visit to the governmental hospital indicates that there is a lack of provision of materials for the safe disposal of medical waste. Analyze 9 samples using   (HRGC/HRMS) instrument indicate that emission of dioxin and furan is within (KPEA) limits, but the level of emissions is increase depending on different factors, also analyses 7 samples  of bottom ash in (ICPOES) classified it as hazard waste. This study concludes that reduce (PCDDs and PCDFs) depend on human, technical legal factors, and using environmentally friendly alternatives methods instead of or assistant to the process of medical waste incineration.

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