Could you be endangering others?

Medical waste generators of all kinds, including hospitals, surgery centers, treatment facilities and more, produce tons of waste each year. And while most professionals in the healthcare industry are aware of the regulations when it comes to proper disposal, the reality is that a lot of medical waste, specifically sharps, is still being disposed of improperly. The result: risks to society and the environment. Take a look:

Sharps can contain pathogens that can poison people and the environment

Hazardous waste generated by the medical industry can be infectious and toxic. Sharps and needles discarded improperly can contain traces of pathogens, insulin and other medication, blood and other bodily fluids and infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.   Accidental exposure to these types of waste can lead to serious consequences, including seeping into and poisoning soils and water supply, as well as causing critical illnesses to humans and animals.

Improperly discarded sharps can pose a risk to healthcare workers

Billions of injections are administered each year by hospital staff and others in the medical field. If these sharps and other items used in the process are not properly disposed of, nurses, technicians, and every other staff member can be in danger of accidental exposure. But the pain of the prick is the least of the issues because each unintentional incident poses a risk for numerous infections. It’s not uncommon for workers in a medical setting to contract various diseases and viruses from sharps accidents.

All sharps and related materials can contain contaminants

The term sharps encompass more than just the needle used to inject medication, take blood or administer an immunization. Here’s a list of the items that are included in the sharps category:

• Needles
• Syringes
• Lancets
• Autoinjectors
• Tubing and infusion sets
• Connection needles and sets

Federal and state laws require a proper sharps disposal

The laws created by state and federal agencies are put into place to protect you, your staff, the community, and the environment. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines as well as health risks and potentially death to those exposed. Partner with a reputable, experienced medical waste disposal provider to ensure you are in compliance.

All Points Medical Waste is a family-owned and operated company that provides medical waste disposal to hospitals, treatment centers, surgery centers, dental practices, physicians, veterinarian offices and more throughout South Florida. Give us a call today to learn more or fill out this form.