英文摘要 |
The purpose of this study was on behalf of the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) to propose viable measures in source reduction of medical waste and conduct onsite investigation for the small generators. This study comprises six categories of tasks: (1) To publicize the latest EPA’s regulations of medical wastes management, (2) To educate the small- and medium generators in wastes management, (3) To evaluate the sterilization performance for medical waste, (4) To push forward with reducing chlorinated plastic medical wastes, (5) To push forward with reducing the hazards of mercury wastes in hospitals, (6) To push forward with emergency measures for the waste of avian influenza.
To educate for medical waste management, this study has published three papers in latest trend of medical waste management, mercury-contained medical equipments and supplies management, and critical analysis of medical waste regulations. We also conducted questionnaire surveys about their opinion on medical waste regulations from environmental protection agencies, waste transporters and treatment facilities, and healthcare providers. A total of 1,195 (28.4%) questionnaires were successfully collected and data were analyzed to strengthen the medical waste regulation.
We also conduct a site investigation at 202 regional hospitals and clinics about their medical waste management in waste classification, labels, contract-out wastes disposal, and records keeping. The waste transportation and treatment contracts were also analyzed to propose a model contract and legal guideline.
With respects to evaluating the sterilization performance for medical waste autoclaves, this study used a challenge test containing the rapid readout biological indicator (RRBI) with Bacillus stearothermophilus as the indicating organism Ten commercial autoclaves were evaluated for sterilization performance under routine operation conditions with a filling ratio of 60~70%. The results show that the challenge test is more conservative, comparing with those evaluated within the plastic bag. Two conferences were held to demonstrate the performance evaluation procedure for the environmental protection officers and medical waste generators.
This study surveyed 22 hospitals and 18 suppliers in light of PVC-contained medical devices and their alternatives in Taiwan. According to the survey results and case studies from European countries and United States, a priority list of PVC-free alternatives was recommended. It includes gloves and bags. In the reduction plan of medical devices containing chloride plastics, suggestions are given in four aspects: hospital expenditure, environmental concerns, current market, and patient health. This study also advised a medical center in reducing the chlorinated plastic medical wastes by collecting the hemodialysis catheters and IV-catheters, performing sterilization, and delivering to the factory for reuse. This experience was used to compile a guideline for hospitals to reduce chlorinated plastic medical wastes.
Through collecting and analyzing the standard operating procedures of the mercury spill treatment of mercury-contained thermometers and sphygmomanometers from United States and European countries, a guideline of mercury spill treatment for hospitals in Taiwan was compiled. We thus assist five medical centers to build up their ability in repairing defect mercury-contained sphygmomanometers, recycling mercury and dealing with mercury spill along with four onsite demonstrations. By analyzing the mercury-contained devices in hospitals, we estimated the total amount of mercury in healthcare facilities in Taiwan. We developed a program for sources reduction of mercury-contained devices in healthcare facilities and for transportation and treatment of the mercury waste. We also held a meeting for related governmental departments to discuss important issues. Furthermore, this study investigated the basic facts of mercury dental filling materials as used in dental clinics, and made a DM about the waste reduction and sent to all the dental clinics of Taiwan.
Regarding strengthening the governmental emergency response capability in waste treatment for avian influenza wastes, two meetings were held for related governmental departments to make they realize their responsibilities and authorities in preparedness and response.
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