Assessing Health Risks from Sub-Standard Medical Waste Incineration: A Site Conceptual Model

ABSTRACT

Poor medical waste treatment is common practice in most developing countries where on-site sub-standard incineration is common. Potentially hazardous substances such as polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have been detected in gaseous emissions as well as bottom ash generated by the said process. There is also evidence on the emission of potentially toxic trace metals such as lead and cadmium as well as speculations on the release of brominated dioxins and dibenzofurans. The presence of residential areas within the vicinity of these sites increases human susceptibility to various health risks. This eventually necessitates the development of efficient risk assessment tools such as a site conceptual model that can adequately facilitate data collection activities and the estimation of health risks.

Key Words:

• health risks
• medical waste
• incineration
• developing countries
• exposure.

Notes

Editor's note: Superfund sites are uncontrolled hazardous waste sites, as designated by the USEPA under authorities of the U.S. Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, as amended (also called the Superfund statute).