Soiled disposable diapers: a potential source of viruses.
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Clothing↗
SEARCH · PubMed Health
Results for “Refuse Disposal”
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
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Disposable versus reusable linen: back to the future.
Decisions regarding health care practices and technology are never static. As new information becomes available, and internal and external forces shift, new decisions may have to be made. Such is the decision regarding reusable versus disposable linen. Until very recently, reusable linens were not comparable with disposable linen in the quality characteristics that directly impact patient and staff safety and health. Given the current test results on the latest generation of reusable fabrics, it is time to go back to reconsider this decision for the future.
Bedding and Linens↗
Radioactive waste forms stabilized by ChemChar gasification: characterization and leaching behavior of cerium, thorium, protactinium, uranium, and neptunium.
The uses of a thermally reductive gasification process in conjunction with vitrification and cementation for the long-term disposal of low level radioactive materials have been investigated. gamma-ray spectroscopy was used for analysis of carrier-free protactinium-233 and neptunium-239 and a stoichiometric amount of cerium (observed cerium-141) subsequent to gasification and leaching, up to 48 days. High resolution ICP-MS was used to analyze the cerium, thorium, and uranium from 46 to 438 days of leaching. Leaching procedures followed the guidance of ASTM Procedure C 1220-92, Standard Test Method for Static Leaching of Monolithic Waste Forms for Disposal of Radioactive Waste. The combination of the thermally reductive pretreatment, vitrification and cementation produced a highly non-leachable form suitable for long-term disposal of cerium, thorium, protactinium, uranium, and neptunium.
Cerium↗
Leachates of municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash from Macao: heavy metal concentrations and genotoxicity.
Heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash (MSWIBA) may leach into soil and groundwater and pose long-term risks to the environment. In this study, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) was carried out on the MSWIBA from Macao. Heavy metals in leachates were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and genotoxicity of leachates was also evaluated by micronucleus (MN) assay with Vicia faba root tip cells. The results showed that the concentrations of aluminium (Al), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the leachates were less than 0.01 mg l(-1), and those of iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) were less than 0.1 mg l(-1). The concentrations of chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), selemium (Se), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) and caesium (Cs) were between 0.11 mg l(-1) and 2.19 mg l(-1). Lead (Pb) concentrations, in particular, reached as high as 19.6 mg l(-1), significantly exceeding the maximum concentration limit (5 mg l(-1) for lead by TCLP). Compared with the negative group, a significant increase of MN frequencies was observed in the leachate-exposed groups (P<0.05). With the increase of heavy metals in the leachates, the toxic effects on the Vicia faba root tip cells increased, implying that heavy metals were the main factors causing the genotoxic effects. Our results suggested that apart from chemical analysis, bioassays like the MN assay of Vicia faba root tip cells should also be included in a battery of tests to assess the eco-environmental risks of bottom ashes before decisions can be made on the utilization, treatment or disposal.
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration↗
Understanding the physical and environmental consequences of dredged material disposal: history in New England and current perspectives.
Thirty-five years of research in New England indicates that ocean disposal of dredged material has minimal environmental impacts when carefully managed. This paper summarizes research efforts and resulting conclusions by the US Army Corps of Engineers, New England District, beginning with the Scientific Report Series and continuing with the Disposal Area Monitoring System (DAMOS). Using a tiered approach to monitoring and a wide range of tools, the DAMOS program has monitored short- and long-term physical and biological effects of disposal at designated disposal sites throughout New England waters. The DAMOS program has also helped develop new techniques for safe ocean disposal of contaminated sediments, including capping and confined aquatic disposal (CAD) cells. Monitoring conducted at many sites in New England and around the world has shown that impacts are typically near-field and short-term. Findings such as these need to be disseminated to the general public, whose perception of dredged material disposal is generally negative and is not strongly rooted in current science.
Atlantic Ocean↗
A review of secondary sludge reduction technologies for the pulp and paper industry.
The broader application of the activated sludge process in pulp and paper mills, together with increased production, have amplified sludge management problems. With sludge management costs as high as 60% of the total wastewater treatment plant operating costs, and increasingly stringent environmental regulations, it is economically advantageous for pulp and paper mills to reduce their biosolids production. In order to provide a state-of-the-art review of secondary sludge reduction technologies, we have considered the scenarios of lower sludge production through process modifications, and waste-activated sludge reduction through post-treatment. A critical evaluation of all candidate reduction technologies indicates that sludge reduction through treatment process changes appears more appealing than post-treatment alternatives. The former approach offers a clear advantage over the latter in that the treatment process changes reduce sludge production in the first place, thus decreasing sludge management cost. Although it is technically feasible to eliminate the need for sludge disposal, it is unlikely to be economically feasible at this time.
Anaerobiosis↗
Dredging and disposal of fine sediments in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Dredging is employed quite frequently in the state of Rio de Janeiro, especially for the installation and upkeep of commercial ports and rehabilitation of the hydraulic section of silted bodies of water. Until recently, all dredged material with no economic use was destined for marine disposal or stored at the edge of the water body. Since the 1990s, however, a new approach has been adopted for dredging as a result of pressure from the environmental organisations, encouraging closer interaction in Rio de Janeiro between the local and state public authorities and the universities on issues relating to licensing of this kind of activity. The recent experiments of the Civil and Ocean Engineering Programs of COPPE-UFRJ (Federal University of Rio de Janeiro) described herein are included in this context. The state of Rio de Janeiro has three bays, several coastal lagoon systems and a number of small and medium sized rivers in or close to urban areas, with a gentle slope as they near the sea. This is, then, a region highly susceptible to silting processes of water bodies, and therefore, to maintenance and/or environmental rehabilitation. As discussed in the article, fine and almost always organic sediments prevail, which is a considerable obstacle to the end disposal and possibility of reuse.
Brazil↗
Indoor household pesticides: hazardous waste concern or not?
Many indoor household pesticides are efficient and useful tools for a variety of functions necessary to maintain clean, sanitary, and pleasant homes and institutional facilities, and to provide significant public health benefits. They do so by incorporating active ingredients and formulation technology that have not been associated with significant environmental impact in use or when disposed in landfills. Chemical and environmental fate properties, toxicological characteristics, and use patterns of indoor household pesticides that distinguish them from other categories of pesticides which have been associated with environmental contamination should be recognized when HHW policy is debated and established by governmental agencies. Most indoor household pesticides as defined here should not be considered hazardous waste or HHW because those relatively few containers, often no longer full, that have been disposed with MSW over the years have not been associated with environmental contamination. The tiny amounts of those product residues that will reach MSW landfills have been shown, in general, not to have chemical or environmental fate characteristics that would make them susceptible to leaching. Those that do have the potential to leach based on these characteristics, in most cases, do not represent a threat to human health based on toxicological considerations. However, compounds such as propoxur, which are very mobile and relatively persistent in soil and in addition have been associated with significant potential health effects, may be targeted by the screening process as described here and could be selected for further investigation as candidates for special waste management status (such as HHW). Our analysis and recommendations have not been extended to the many types of lawn and garden pesticides that are commonly used by homeowners and are frequently brought to HHW programs. However, their potential for groundwater contamination could also be judged using the same technical considerations as applied in this review to indoor household pesticides. In light of the very high costs of diverting wastes from the MSW stream and into HHW programs, it is recommended that, as a matter of public policy, all categories of household waste that might be considered as HHW be carefully and objectively evaluated for their potential to harm public health or the environment after disposal at MSW landfills.
Hazardous Waste↗
Medical waste: socioeconomic impact.
The proper disposal and management of medical waste is a never-ending problem and one which is of grave concern to the general public. The amounts that are produced each day by hospitals and other small-generators are staggering, e.g., in the U.S. ca. 6000 tons per day. Approximately fifteen (15%) percent of this waste is considered infectious. This latter type of waste is usually incinerated or autoclaved (steam sterilization). In addition to the daily accumulation of solid waste, chemical wastes (liquids) and low-level radioactive wastes are generated. The proper disposal of all types of wastes is discussed as well as the overall cost and its impact on society.
Medical Waste↗
Heavy metal stabilization in municipal solid waste incineration flyash using heavy metal chelating agents.
Heavy metal chemical stabilization with synthesized heavy metal chelating agent was assessed for flyash from municipal solid waste incinerator. Flyash can contain heavy metals (e.g. Pb, Cd) which can leach. A new kind of heavy metal chelating agent showed more attractive competition than inorganic chemicals in stabilizing flyash. The synthesizing method of this kind of heavy metal chelating agent was explained in this paper, and the technology process and treatment efficiency of the chelating agent in treating flyash were experimentally studied, which was compared with the results of inorganic chemical agents such as sodium sulfide and lime. The heavy metals in flyash were stabilized more effectively by using heavy metal chelating agents than by using sodium sulfide and lime, furthermore, the stabilized products using the chelating agents can meet the landfill disposal controlling standards for heavy metal waste. pH-dependent leaching experiment showed the stabilized flyash by treatment with heavy metal chelating agent could keep long-term stabilization within a broad range of pH value. Thus, the risk of secondary pollution for the stabilized products was reduced dramatically when the environment condition changes during its disposal period.
Carbon↗
Overview of waste stabilization with cement.
Cement can treat a variety of wastes by improving physical characteristics (solidification) and reducing the toxicity and mobility of contaminants (stabilization). Potentially adverse waste-binder interactions are an important consideration because they can limit solidification. Stabilization occurs when a contaminant is converted from the dissolved (mobile) phase to a solid (immobile) phase by reactions, such as precipitation, sorption, or substitution. These reactions are often strongly affected by pH, so the presence of components of the waste that control pH are critical to stabilization reactions. Evaluating environmental impacts can be accomplished in a tiered strategy in which simplest approach would be to measure the maximum amount of contaminant that could be released. Alternatively, the sequence of release can be determined, either by microcosm tests that attempt to simulate conditions in the disposal zone or by mechanistic models that attempt to predict behavior using fundamental characteristics of the treated waste.
Construction Materials↗
Methodological approach towards the definition of new storage conditions for inert wastes.
In 1997, the French Ministry of Environment launched studies aiming to define a specific regulation concerning inert waste disposal in order to limit potential impact of such facilities on the environment by fixing minimum requirements. A model (chemical model/hydrodynamic model) was developed to determine dumping conditions. This model was then applied on two defined scenarios (landfill surface, effective rainfalls...) in order to study the sulphate concentrations in aquifer system immediately downstream from the storage facility. Results allow us to determine in which conditions the sulphates concentrations are compatibles with the potentially drinkable character of the groundwater. They more specifically concern the nature of the waste disposed of, the efficient rainfalls and the landfill area.
Environmental Monitoring↗
[Hazardous health effects in communal waste collection and disposal workers].
This paper presents a review of the current literature concerning health impact of communal waste in people occupationally involved in waste collection and disposal. No studies have been as yet carried out in this regard. This review indicates that the main hazards for workers collecting and disposing communal wastes comprise organic dust with adsorbed micro-organisms, endotoxins, and numerous organic and inorganic chemicals. The major health effects associated with the job performed include injuries caused by work-related accidents and diseases. Among the most frequent diseases there are allergic and other diseases of the respiratory system, as well as musculo-skeletal, gastro-intestinal and infectious diseases. Complex hygiene assessment and control of work conditions are difficult due to the lack of hygiene standards for micro-organisms and endotoxins in the air of the workplace. No studies have been carried out thus far in Poland regarding exposure and health effects in workers collecting and disposing communal wastes. According to the information available, this problem concerns several thousands employees.
Hazardous Waste↗
Options evaluated.
As part of the comprehensive project "Sustainable Health Care Waste Management in Gauteng" en elaborate environmental and financial feasibility study has been made for selected provincial healthcare waste management scenarios. Furthermore, the study assessed the health, safety and socioeconomic impacts of the scenarios qualitatively and comparison was made with the prevailing containerisation and treatment used currently in Gauteng Province. The findings of the feasibility study show that compared to today's system of predominantly using disposable carboard boxes that are incinerated in incinerators with no flue gas cleaning systems and limited control of the combustion process, significant reductions of the emissions to the atmosphere can be achieved by improving the emission standards for incinerators and/or introducing non-burn treatment technologies. Also, it is clearly demonstrated that introduction of safer and reusable containerisation has a significant environmental benefit while providing a better and more occupationally safe service at a similar or slightly reduced cost. Finally the feasibility study demonstrates that while the type and amounts of emissions from incinerators with flue gas cleaning devises and alternative non-burn treatment technologies are materially different in nature and type it is difficult to clearly determine which of the two types of treatment technologies is globally and overall the least damaging in environmental terms.
Disposable Equipment↗
Application of constructed wetlands to the treatment of leachates from a municipal solid waste landfill in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Leachates are wastewater generated principally from landfills and solid waste disposal sites. Leachates emanating from municipal wastes are a major source of surface and groundwater pollution worldwide. Globally, leachates have been implicated in low yield of farm produce, developmental anomalies, low birth weights, leukemia incidence, and other cancers in communities around the site. They have also been implicated in hazards to the environment, loss of biodiversity, and contamination of water sources. At Aba-Eku in Nigeria, leachates are being discharged into the Omi Stream without treatment. A study was conducted on a method of leachate treatment that passes the leachate through constructed wetlands using Ipomoea aquatica (Forsk), a locally available plant found close to the landfill site. The aim of the study was to evolve a sustainable and cost-effective method of treatment whose effluents can be discharged into the Omi Stream with no or minimal impact. The study was descriptive and analytical in design. Samples were collected and analyzed with standard methods for pH, suspended solids (SS), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, nitrate, and trace metals. Raw leachates were turbid and amber in color and contained suspended solids (197.5 mg/L), ammonia (610.9 mg/L), lead (1.64 mg/L), iron (198.10 mg/L), and manganese (23.20 mg/L). When the leachates were passed through the constructed wetland with eight hours' detention time, effluents showed significant reductions in suspended solids (81.01 percent), BOD (86.03 percent), and ammonia (97.77 percent). The study shows that a constructed wetland is a feasible tool for the treatment of leachates before their disposal into the environment in Nigeria and can help safeguard environmental quality.
Ammonia↗
[Significance and organization of harmless disposal of animal cadavers, confiscated material, and slaughtering wastes in the framework of the new law concerning animal epidemics].
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Abattoirs↗
[Hazardous material and safety conditions in veterinary practice. 2: Flammable liquid, disinfectants and cleansing media, cytostatics, pressurized gases, liquid nitrogen, narcotic gases, mailing of diagnostic samples, hazardous waste].
In the last years the standards for professional handling of hazardous material as well as health and safety in the veterinary practice became considerably more stringent. This is expressed in various safety regulations, particularly the decree of hazardous material and the legislative directives concerning health and safety at work. In part 1, a definition based on the law for hazardous material was given and the potential risks were mentioned. The correct documentation regarding the protection of personal and the purchase, storage, working conditions and removal of hazardous material was explained. General rules for the handling of hazardous material were described. In part 2, partial emphasis is put on the handling of flammable liquids, disinfectants, cytostatica, pressurised gases, liquid nitrogen, narcotics, mailing of potentially infectious material and safe disposal of hazardous waste. Advice about possible unrecognized hazards and references are also given.
Animals↗
Basic principles of laboratory safety.
Laboratory safety is a concern to scientific personnel conducting research or safety testing, laboratory directors responsible for institutional liability for employees, and to individuals working or residing near the laboratory. A strategy for safe laboratory operations requires an understanding of industrial hygiene, engineering, and the regulations associated with the use of hazardous chemicals. This review describes many of the basic principles involved in laboratory safety. It provides general information on the use of personal protective equipment, selection of laboratory safety equipment, laboratory design, disposal of hazardous waste, and the regulations and guidelines affecting laboratory operations.
Accident Prevention↗