Sterilization of infective health care waste in hospitals.

Abstract

Collection and disposal of infective medical waste represents a well-known problem in all Italian and foreign hospitals. Pandemic events have increased the attention and sensitivity on the topic both from a legal/regulatory and technical-professional perspective. latest legislation introduced some noticeable modification in the perception of the problem changing the particularly precautionary approach largely exploited in the past, putting the sterilization procedures at the center of a more efficient management of such waste materials. Contemporary the specific industrial sector is developing and proposing on the market sterilization equipment able to minimizing the risk of pollution and reducing the volumes of material to be disposed of. This article addresses the topic with particular focus on the advantages, drawback and specific aspect to be considered for the realization of an in-situ sterilization for infective hospital waste. Different aspects related to biological, environmental, financial legal and medical liability risk, which become essential for allowing a careful evaluation and conscious choice, were also considered and discussed.