Modification of the incinerator to prevent the emission of toxic air pollutant in biomedical waste incineration process at Base Hospital Udugama

Abstract

Background: Medical waste incinerators emit toxic air pollutants and toxic ash residues that are the major sources of dioxins and furan. However, Incineration is the best available option for treating clinical waste. The harm can be minimized by designing an incinerator according to the composition of components of the clinical waste generated at the hospital. The incinerator at Base Hospital Udugama has been emitting polluted air causing environmental pollution.Objective: To identify the cause of emitting polluted air and modify the incinerator to prevent environmental pollution.Methods: A survey was conducted on similar incinerators in other institutions to see the efficiency and working conditions and followed an audit to identify the composition of the clinical waste generated in the hospital setting. The incinerator was modified according to the composition of waste to tolerate high calorific value.Results: Survey proved that all other similar incinerators emit polluted air during the incinerating process. The audit showed the rubber and plastic composition of waste is around 50% against the recommended value of 10%. The existing machine was modified to tolerate high volumes of rubber and plastic by increasing the calorific value.Conclusion: Existing incinerator at BH. Udugama emits polluted air due to the incompatible composition of clinical waste with the machine specification. This can be prevented by modifying the incinerator by increasing the Calorific value.Recommendations: It is recommended to re-evaluate the existing incinerators and modify them up to the standard to prevent environmental harm considering 50% of rubber and plastics in clinical waste.