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@article{168391,
        author = {VIMALATHITHAN S and Santhosh nathan K P and Susindhiran S},
        title = {Biomedical Waste Handling and Management: Key Issues and Regulatory Framework},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2024},
        volume = {11},
        number = {5},
        pages = {2485-2490},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=168391},
        abstract = {It is defined that biomedical waste encompasses any waste, whether solid or liquid, containing infectious or potentially infectious materials originating from medical, laboratory, or research activities, which include the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. A higher potential for infection and injury is posed by biomedical waste to healthcare workers, patients, and the surrounding community. Included within the scope of biomedical waste are human anatomical waste, animal waste, microbiology and biotechnology waste, sharps, discarded medicines, cytotoxic drugs, soiled waste, liquid waste, incineration ash, and chemical wastes. It is reported that biomedical waste is commonly generated by hospitals, clinics, medical and veterinary colleges, blood banks, mortuaries, autopsy centers, biotechnology institutions, research laboratories, home healthcare services, and funeral homes. It is noted that hazardous chemicals and radioactive waste, although non-infectious, also require proper disposal. According to the World Health Organization, it is stated that 10% of hospital waste is classified as infectious, while 5% is considered non-infectious but hazardous. The World Health Organization has categorized medical waste into eight classifications: general, pathological, radioactive, chemical, infectious, sharps, pharmaceuticals, and pressurized wastes. In India, the Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules 1998, along with subsequent amendments, are utilized to regulate the management of biomedical waste. These regulations are reported to consist of six schedules, which include the classification of biomedical waste, the required color coding and types of containers, the labels for biomedical waste containers or bags (which must be non-washable and highly visible), and the labels for the transport of such containers or bags. Standards for treatment and disposal, as well as schedules for waste treatment facilities like incinerators, autoclaves, and microwave systems, have been established. Furthermore, it is stated that operating standards such as combustion efficiency and emission standards are clearly defined. This review article has focused on key issues such as the definition, categories, challenges, and the procedures related to the handling and disposal of biomedical waste.},
        keywords = {Medical waste categories, Healthcare facilities, Color coding, Radioactive waste, Waste treatment},
        month = {November},
        }