Aims: The quantity, composition and physiochemical characteristics of wastes are important factors in selecting an appropriate treatment method. Having knowledge about the current status of medical ...wastes in any region is necessary for the establishment of effective medical waste management. Martials and Methods: In this field study, official data obtained from the national statistical center were used. The statistical population for sampling and physical analysis includes two hospitals and five health-care centers, selected randomly, and WHO standard procedures were followed for wastes segregation. Results: Based on data obtained, 1335 kg of medical wastes is daily generated in Gachsaran County of which 563 kg are infected and 772 kg are noninfected. A minor part of medical wastes are incinerated or delivered to the municipality untreated. However, the major part is hydroclaved. The largest medical center in the region is Shahid Rajaei Hospital located in Dogonbadan city and infected wastes from the whole region are sent to this center to be hydroclaved. Conclusion: In conclusion, the quantity of infected wastes in the region is higher when compared to other cities in Iran. The high quantity of infected wastes may be a result of poor separation of infected and noninfected wastes by personnel due to lack of required knowledge.
OBJECTIVESInfected hospital wastes are among hazardous wastes, and special treatment methods are needed for their disposal. Having information about present status of medical waste management systems ...is of great importance in finding weak, and for future planning. Such studies have not been done for most of the hospitals in Iran. METHODSThis paper reports the results of a study on the present status of medical waste management in Isfahan hospitals. A ten page researcher made questionnaire was used to collect data in terms of collection, transportation, segregation, treatment and disposal. For assessment of autoclaves, standard tests including TST (Time, Steam, and Temperature) strip test and spore tests were used. Samples were made of stack gases of incinerators. Quantity and composition of hospital wastes in Isfahan were also measured manually. RESULTSOf all wastes in selected hospitals, 40% were infected wastes (1.59 kg/day/bed), which is 15 to 20% higher than World Health Organization (WHO) standards. TST and Spore test results were negative in all samples. Stack gases analysis showed high concentration of CO in some samples. Besides, the combustion efficiency in some samples is less than 99.5%, which is the standard criterion in Iran. CONCLUSIONSThis study may create awareness regarding the magnitude of the problem of waste management in hospitals of Isfahan and may stimulate interests for systematic control efforts for hospital waste disposal. Hospital waste management cannot succeed without documented plans, certain equipment, defined staff trainings, and periodic evaluations.
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