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The Point is Needles Hurt. Sharps medical waste is a type of biohazardous waste that can cause serious harm to humans and the environment if not disposed of properly. Sharps medical waste is any medical waste that contains sharp objects such as needles, syringes, scalpels, razors, and broken glass. In this article, we will explore the dangers of sharps medical waste, the proper disposal of sharps medical waste, and the benefits of using sharps containers to keep us safe.
This type of medical waste is considered sharps biohazardous medical waste because it can easily cause cuts and puncture wounds. It can also contain infectious agents and other pathogens, which can cause serious health problems if not disposed of properly.
Sharps must be handled with extreme caution when handling and disposing of. The proper disposal of sharps medical waste is essential for protecting both human health and the environment. If sharps medical waste is not disposed of properly, it can lead to serious injury and even death. Furthermore, improper disposal of sharps medical waste can lead to the contamination of land and water, as well as the spread of infectious diseases.
The primary danger of sharps medical waste is the risk of infection. Needlestick injuries can lead to serious or fatal infections with bloodborne pathogens such as hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, or HIV.
In addition to the risk of infection, sharps medical waste can also cause physical injuries. Needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects can easily puncture and cut skin, which can lead to serious infections. Furthermore, broken glass and other sharp objects can cause lacerations that require medical attention.
Lastly, sharps medical waste can also be hazardous to the environment. Improper disposal of sharps medical waste can lead to the contamination of land and water, as well as animals and the spread of infectious diseases.
“Sharps” include needles, syringes, and lancets used by both professional healthcare services and home users for example, diabetics to check blood glucose levels and administer home healthcare. These “sharps,” if not disposed of in puncture- resistant containers, can:
Injure waste haulers, pollute our environment, and increase the risk of infection.
For home users here are some quick guidelines.
Sharps containers are specially designed containers that are used to store and dispose of sharps medical waste. These containers according to the FDA are made from rigid puncture-resistant plastic or metal with leak-resistant sides and bottom, and a tight-fitting, puncture-resistant lid with an opening to accommodate depositing a sharp but not large enough for a hand to enter.
Sharps containers are available in a variety of sizes and can be used to store and dispose of sharps medical waste from hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities. These containers are also used to store and transport sharps medical waste to approved treatment sites.
Sharps containers help keep us safe by preventing needles, scalpels, and other sharp objects from puncturing or cutting the skin. The containers are designed to be puncture-resistant and can withstand pressure and impact. This helps to ensure that needles and other sharp objects remain securely inside the container.
In addition to preventing punctures and cuts, sharps containers also help to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The containers are designed to be leakproof, which prevents infectious agents from leaking or spilling into another area.
The use of sharps containers can provide several benefits, including the following:
Conclusion
Contact Bio-MED Medical Waste Management today to learn more about how we can help you safely and properly dispose of sharps and all your medical waste types, we are a full service management company providing an array of healthcare related services from medical waste disposal to secure document destruction and more, we can help.
