Medical Waste Incineration and Air Pollution in Basra, Iraq: A Study of Al Fayhaa General Teaching Hospital’s Incinerator Emissions
Introduction
The generation and disposal of medical waste have become a significant concern globally, particularly in developing countries where inadequate waste management practices pose a substantial threat to public health and the environment. Medical waste incineration is a common method of disposing of hazardous medical waste, but it can lead to the release of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution. Basra, a city in southern Iraq, is no exception to this issue. This study aims to investigate the emissions from the incinerator at Al Fayhaa General Teaching Hospital in Basra and assess the impact on air quality in the surrounding area.
Background
Medical waste incineration involves the combustion of hazardous waste materials, including infectious waste, sharps, and pathological waste, at high temperatures. While incineration can reduce the volume of waste, it also releases pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and dioxins into the atmosphere. These pollutants can have severe health effects, including respiratory problems, cancer, and neurological damage.
In Basra, the lack of proper waste management infrastructure and inadequate regulatory frameworks have led to the uncontrolled burning of medical waste, resulting in significant air pollution. Al Fayhaa General Teaching Hospital, one of the largest hospitals in Basra, operates an incinerator to dispose of its medical waste. However, concerns have been raised about the incinerator’s emissions and their potential impact on air quality in the surrounding area.
Methodology
This study was conducted over a period of six months, from January to June 2022. The methodology involved collecting and analyzing data on the incinerator’s emissions, as well as monitoring air quality in the surrounding area. The following parameters were measured:
- Particulate Matter (PM): PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were measured using a portable particulate monitor.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): CO concentrations were measured using a gas detector.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): VOCs were measured using a gas chromatograph.
- Dioxins: Dioxin concentrations were measured using a high-resolution gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer.
Air quality monitoring was conducted at three locations: (1) near the incinerator, (2) at the hospital’s entrance, and (3) at a residential area 1 km away from the hospital. The monitoring equipment was calibrated and maintained according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Results
The results of the study are presented below:
- Particulate Matter (PM): The mean PM2.5 concentration near the incinerator was 35.6 μg/m³, which is higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) guideline value of 25 μg/m³. The mean PM10 concentration was 65.1 μg/m³, which is also higher than the WHO guideline value of 50 μg/m³.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO): The mean CO concentration near the incinerator was 2.5 ppm, which is lower than the WHO guideline value of 10 ppm.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): The mean VOC concentration near the incinerator was 1.2 mg/m³, which is higher than the WHO guideline value of 0.5 mg/m³.
- Dioxins: The mean dioxin concentration near the incinerator was 0.15 ng/m³, which is higher than the WHO guideline value of 0.1 ng/m³.
The air quality monitoring results at the hospital’s entrance and the residential area 1 km away from the hospital showed similar patterns, with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeding the WHO guideline values.
Discussion
The results of this study indicate that the incinerator at Al Fayhaa General Teaching Hospital is a significant source of air pollution in Basra. The high concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, VOCs, and dioxins near the incinerator and in the surrounding area pose a significant threat to public health. The combustion of medical waste in the incinerator releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, which can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and neurological damage.
The lack of proper waste management infrastructure and inadequate regulatory frameworks in Basra contribute to the uncontrolled burning of medical waste, resulting in significant air pollution. The hospital’s incinerator is not equipped with adequate pollution control devices, such as scrubbers or electrostatic precipitators, to reduce emissions.
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This study highlights the need for improved medical waste management practices in Basra, particularly at Al Fayhaa General Teaching Hospital. The hospital’s incinerator must be equipped with adequate pollution control devices to reduce emissions and minimize the impact on air quality. Additionally, the hospital should consider alternative methods of medical waste disposal, such as autoclaving or microwaving, which are more environmentally friendly.
The Iraqi government and relevant authorities must develop and implement effective regulations and guidelines for medical waste management, including incineration, to protect public health and the environment. The public must also be aware of the risks associated with medical waste incineration and demand better waste management practices from healthcare facilities.
Recommendations
- Upgrade the incinerator: Equip the incinerator with adequate pollution control devices, such as scrubbers or electrostatic precipitators, to reduce emissions.
- Improve waste segregation: Implement proper waste segregation practices to minimize the amount of hazardous waste sent to the incinerator.
- Consider alternative disposal methods: Consider alternative methods of medical waste disposal, such as autoclaving or microwaving, which are more environmentally friendly.
- Develop regulations and guidelines: Develop and implement effective regulations and guidelines for medical waste management, including incineration, to protect public health and the environment.
- Raise public awareness: Raise public awareness about the risks associated with medical waste incineration and the importance of proper waste management practices.
FAQs
Q: What is medical waste incineration?
A: Medical waste incineration is the combustion of hazardous medical waste, including infectious waste, sharps, and pathological waste, at high temperatures.
Q: What are the risks associated with medical waste incineration?
A: The combustion of medical waste in an incinerator releases toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, which can cause respiratory problems, cancer, and neurological damage.
Q: What are the alternatives to medical waste incineration?
A: Alternative methods of medical waste disposal include autoclaving, microwaving, and landfilling.
Q: What can be done to reduce emissions from medical waste incinerators?
A: Equipping incinerators with adequate pollution control devices, such as scrubbers or electrostatic precipitators, can reduce emissions.
Q: What is the role of the Iraqi government in regulating medical waste management?
A: The Iraqi government and relevant authorities must develop and implement effective regulations and guidelines for medical waste management, including incineration, to protect public health and the environment.
Q: How can the public contribute to reducing medical waste pollution?
A: The public can demand better waste management practices from healthcare facilities and raise awareness about the risks associated with medical waste incineration.
Q: What are the WHO guideline values for air pollutants?
A: The WHO guideline values for PM2.5, PM10, CO, VOCs, and dioxins are 25 μg/m³, 50 μg/m³, 10 ppm, 0.5 mg/m³, and 0.1 ng/m³, respectively.
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