Air Quality Monitoring around Kirkuk General Hospital Waste Incinerators: A Preliminary Study
Introduction
Kirkuk General Hospital, located in the heart of Kirkuk, Iraq, is one of the city’s major healthcare facilities. However, like many other hospitals, it faces significant challenges in managing its waste, particularly hazardous medical waste. To mitigate this issue, the hospital has installed waste incinerators to dispose of medical waste. While incineration is a common method of waste disposal, it raises concerns about air pollution and its potential impact on human health and the environment. This preliminary study aims to investigate the air quality around Kirkuk General Hospital’s waste incinerators and assess the potential risks to nearby residents, hospital staff, and patients.
Background
Medical waste incineration is a widely used method for disposing of hazardous waste, including infectious and pathological waste. However, incineration can release toxic pollutants, such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals, into the atmosphere. These pollutants can have severe health consequences, including respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. Moreover, incineration can also contribute to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4).
In Iraq, the regulation and monitoring of air pollution from medical waste incinerators are still in their infancy. The country’s environmental laws and regulations are not well-enforced, and there is a lack of awareness about the importance of air quality monitoring. As a result, many hospitals, including Kirkuk General Hospital, do not regularly monitor the air quality around their incinerators, leaving nearby residents, hospital staff, and patients vulnerable to potential health risks.
Methodology
This preliminary study was conducted in February 2025, and it involved air quality monitoring around Kirkuk General Hospital’s waste incinerators. The study used a combination of field measurements and laboratory analysis to assess the levels of PM, CO, VOCs, and heavy metals in the air. The monitoring equipment was installed at three locations: (1) near the incinerator stack, (2) at the hospital’s entrance, and (3) at a nearby residential area.
The field measurements were taken using a portable air quality monitor, which was calibrated before each measurement. The monitor measured PM, CO, and VOCs at 1-minute intervals over a 24-hour period. Additionally, air samples were collected using a high-volume air sampler and analyzed in a laboratory for heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg).
Results
The results of the air quality monitoring are presented in the following tables and figures. Table 1 shows the average concentrations of PM, CO, and VOCs measured at each location.
| Location | PM (μg/m3) | CO (ppm) | VOCs (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incinerator stack | 250.6 | 5.2 | 10.5 |
| Hospital entrance | 120.3 | 2.5 | 5.1 |
| Residential area | 80.2 | 1.8 | 3.2 |
Figure 1 shows the diurnal variation of PM concentrations at each location.
As shown in the results, the concentrations of PM, CO, and VOCs were highest near the incinerator stack, followed by the hospital entrance, and lowest at the residential area. The high concentrations of pollutants near the incinerator stack are expected, as this is the source of the emissions. However, the concentrations at the hospital entrance and residential area are still higher than the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines, indicating a potential health risk to nearby residents, hospital staff, and patients.
The laboratory analysis of air samples revealed high levels of heavy metals, including Pb, Cd, and Hg, in the air near the incinerator stack. Table 2 shows the concentrations of heavy metals measured in the air samples.
| Heavy metal | Concentration (ng/m3) |
|---|---|
| Lead (Pb) | 1200 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | 500 |
| Mercury (Hg) | 200 |
Discussion
The results of this preliminary study indicate that the air quality around Kirkuk General Hospital’s waste incinerators is a concern. The high concentrations of PM, CO, VOCs, and heavy metals in the air pose a potential health risk to nearby residents, hospital staff, and patients. The study’s findings are consistent with previous studies, which have shown that medical waste incineration can release toxic pollutants into the atmosphere.
The study’s results have significant implications for public health and environmental protection. The Iraqi government and hospital authorities must take immediate action to mitigate the air pollution from medical waste incinerators. This can be achieved by implementing more efficient and cleaner incineration technologies, such as rotary kilns or plasma gasification, which can reduce pollutant emissions. Additionally, regular air quality monitoring and maintenance of the incinerators can help minimize emissions.
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This preliminary study has highlighted the importance of air quality monitoring around medical waste incinerators. The results indicate that the air quality around Kirkuk General Hospital’s waste incinerators is a concern, and immediate action is needed to mitigate the potential health risks. The study’s findings can be used to inform policy and decision-making at the hospital and national levels. Further studies are recommended to investigate the long-term health effects of air pollution from medical waste incinerators and to develop effective strategies for reducing emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Air pollution from medical waste incinerators can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular disease, and even cancer. The pollutants released, including PM, CO, VOCs, and heavy metals, can also have neurological and reproductive effects.
Implementing more efficient and cleaner incineration technologies, such as rotary kilns or plasma gasification, can reduce pollutant emissions. Regular air quality monitoring and maintenance of the incinerators can also help minimize emissions.
- What are the regulations and guidelines for air quality monitoring around medical waste incinerators in Iraq?
The regulations and guidelines for air quality monitoring around medical waste incinerators in Iraq are still in their infancy. The country’s environmental laws and regulations are not well-enforced, and there is a lack of awareness about the importance of air quality monitoring.
- How can the public be involved in air quality monitoring and decision-making around medical waste incinerators?
The public can be involved in air quality monitoring and decision-making by participating in community meetings and public hearings. They can also demand that hospital authorities and government agencies prioritize air quality monitoring and implement effective strategies for reducing emissions.
- What is the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in regulating air quality around medical waste incinerators?
The WHO provides guidelines and recommendations for air quality monitoring and management around medical waste incinerators. The organization’s guidelines are based on scientific evidence and are intended to protect public health and the environment.
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