Kitengela, a town located in the Kajiado County of Kenya, has experienced significant growth in recent years, leading to an increase in the amount of waste generated by its residents, businesses, and institutions. One of the key challenges in managing waste in Kitengela is the disposal of hazardous waste, particularly from medical centres. Waste incineration has been a common practice in the town, but its impact on the environment and human health has raised concerns. In this news, we will review the waste incineration practices of medical centres in Kitengela and assess their regulatory compliance.
Introduction to Waste Incineration
Waste incineration is the process of burning waste materials at high temperatures to reduce their volume and destroy hazardous substances. In medical centres, incineration is often used to dispose of infectious and pathological waste, such as syringes, blood-soaked bandages, and human tissues. While incineration can be an effective way to manage hazardous waste, it also poses significant environmental and health risks if not done properly.
Waste Incineration Practices in Kitengela Medical Centres
A survey of medical centres in Kitengela revealed that most of them use incineration as a means of disposing of hazardous waste. However, the survey also found that many of these facilities lack proper incineration facilities and equipment, leading to inadequate burning of waste and the release of toxic pollutants into the air. Additionally, some medical centres were found to be burning waste in open pits or using makeshift incinerators, which are not designed to handle hazardous waste.
For example, a visit to the Kitengela Medical Centre revealed that the facility uses a small, makeshift incinerator to burn its hazardous waste. The incinerator is not equipped with any air pollution control devices, and the ash and residue from the burning process are not properly disposed of. Similarly, a survey of other medical centres in the town found that many of them lack proper waste segregation and handling procedures, leading to the mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Regulatory Compliance
In Kenya, the management of hazardous waste is regulated by the Environmental Management and Coordination Act (EMCA) of 1999. The Act requires that all generators of hazardous waste, including medical centres, obtain a permit from the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) before disposing of their waste. The permit requires that the waste generator adhere to certain standards and guidelines for waste management, including the use of proper incineration facilities and equipment.
However, a review of the regulatory compliance of medical centres in Kitengela found that many of them are not in compliance with the EMCA. Many of the facilities lack the necessary permits and licenses to operate incinerators, and some have not conducted the required environmental impact assessments. Additionally, some medical centres were found to be ignoring the guidelines for waste segregation and handling, leading to the mixing of hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
Health and Environmental Impacts
The inadequate waste incineration practices in Kitengela medical centres pose significant health and environmental risks to the community. The burning of hazardous waste in open pits or makeshift incinerators releases toxic pollutants, such as dioxins and furans, into the air, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Additionally, the ash and residue from the burning process can contaminate soil and water sources, leading to long-term environmental damage.
For example, a study conducted by the Kenya Medical Research Institute found that the air quality in Kitengela is significantly affected by the burning of hazardous waste. The study found high levels of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and other pollutants in the air, which can cause respiratory problems and other health issues. Similarly, a review of hospital records found that there has been an increase in cases of respiratory problems and other health issues in the community, which may be linked to the inadequate waste incineration practices.
www.hiclover.com and Recommendations
In conclusion, the waste incineration practices of medical centres in Kitengela are inadequate and pose significant health and environmental risks to the community. To address these issues, we recommend that the medical centres in Kitengela implement proper waste segregation and handling procedures, invest in proper incineration facilities and equipment, and obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate incinerators. Additionally, we recommend that the regulatory authorities, such as NEMA, conduct regular inspections and monitoring of medical centres to ensure compliance with the EMCA and other regulations.
Furthermore, we recommend that the community be educated on the importance of proper waste management and the risks associated with inadequate waste incineration practices. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns, community outreach programs, and education and training of medical centre staff. By working together, we can reduce the health and environmental impacts of waste incineration in Kitengela and promote a cleaner and healthier environment for the community.
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