Medical waste and POPs.
Lack of on-site segregation and appropriate treatment of medical waste, coupled with open burning and use of inadequate incineration technologies, are rampant in most of the health care institutions in the urban centers of Nepal. This report documents CEPHED's study of health care institution waste management practices and their links to POPs emissions in Kathmandu, including dioxin and furan generation. The study covered all health care institutions that incinerate on-site generated medical waste. Through site visits and a questionnaire, it was found that most hospitals employ opening burning and dumping of medical waste, while primary segregation is rarely practiced. Ash from incinerators is commonly washed into the river or thrown in municipal mixed waste containers. The study also discovered a lack of regulatory standards for incinerators, coupled with lack of alternative measures and adequate awareness of the problem. Findings will be used to present data and encourage authorities to introduce effective regulatory mechanisms for disposal.
Outputs:
Study conducted of medical waste disposal practices in Kathmandu with emphasis on link to POPs and dioxin and furan emissions