U.S. nearing solution on Ebola waste issue

Experts warn that conflicting regulations could make it difficult for hospitals


The United States is approaching an answer to the question of how hospitals should dispose of medical waste from Ebola patients, according to an article on the Huffington Post website.

Experts warn that conflicting regulations could make it difficult for hospitals to handle the medical waste from Ebola patients.

Safely handling such waste presents a dual challenge for regulators, who want to both prevent the accidental spread of the deadly disease and avert any deliberate attempts to use it as a bioweapon, the article said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises hospitals to treat items infected with Ebola in leak-proof containers and discard them as they would other regulated medical waste.

But the Department of Transportation deems Ebola a Category A infectious agent, meaning it is capable of killing people and animals, and not regulated medical waste.

Waste management contractors say they cannot legally haul the material, which leaves hospitals without a way to dispose of the waste, the article said.

Read the article.

 

 



October 8, 2014


Topic Area: Maintenance and Operations


Recent Posts

CRAB Alert: The EVS Role in Preventing Infection

CRAB is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes bloodstream infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia, surgical wound infections and meningitis in hospitalized patients.


Why Hospital Waiting Rooms Aren't Going Away

Despite advances in technology, thoughtfully designed reception spaces continue to evolve.


Ground Broken on Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Hospital

The hospital is aiming to open in 2030 on Mount Sinai’s Upper East Side campus.


Design, Compartmentation, Training: How Defend-in-Place Strategies Can Protect Patients

Effective defend-in-place strategies depend on compartmentation, fire-rated assemblies and ongoing staff training to protect patients who cannot quickly evacuate.


Milestone Marked with Topping Out Ceremony for BayCare Hospital Manatee

Construction remains on schedule, with crews continuing work on interior spaces, infrastructure and clinical areas throughout the facility.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.