A Review of Medical Waste, its Environmental Consequences and Management Strategies: A Burning Issue of the Present Day Society

Abstract

Medical waste has enormous consequences for human health and the environment. It has the potential to cause severe disease, if not death. If drugs end up near wildlife refuges like parks, lakes, and other natural environments, whole populations of species might be wiped off therefore its  management is vital due to the potential for environmental and public health hazards, especially in countries which are in the process of development. It is crucial to collect data and examples from a developed nation or a nation with an efficient medical waste management system. Cities are expected to accommodate 65 percent of the globe's population by 2030. The amount of residential waste produced in Mumbai on a regular basis is approximated to be the equal of an eight-story building complex. The atmosphere in cities is so bad that an estimated two million kids under the age of five die from respiratory problems each year.  Hospitals, retail stores selling vegetables, seafood, and other items, as well as bus stops, train stations, and amusement parks, are all filthy and serve as breedi­ng grounds for dangerous diseases. In developing nations like India, the amount of trash generated by hospitals is significantly rising, hence monitoring is important. The growing interest for public health excellence and pollution management, necessities that the large quantity of hazardous waste be rendered as innocuous very quickly, prior to its disposal. The main aim of this paper is to highlight the issues surrounding medical waste, its environmental repercussions, and the management procedure.