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Medical Waste in Maryland: Alternatives to Incineration
Publication Date: December 2004
Publisher(s): MaryPIRG
Author(s): Elizabeth Ridlington; Brad Heavner
Funder(s): Abell Foundation; Town Creek Foundation; Clayton Baker Trust
Funder(s): Abell Foundation; Town Creek Foundation; Clayton Baker Trust
Topic: Environment (Pollution and environmental degradation)
Keywords: public health; mercury; air pollution
Type: Report
Coverage: Maryland
Abstract:
Maryland's hospitals and health care facilities annually classify more than 35,000 tons of waste as regulated medical waste that must be sterilized before disposal. Incineration of this waste releases pollution such as mercury and dioxin that imperils public health. Medical Waste in Maryland: Alternatives to Incineration explores opportunities for hospitals to reduce the amount of medical waste they generation and alternatives to burning waste, such as autoclaves and specialized microwaves.