| Theme | Dialysis Therapy and Medical Waste | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Appropriate disposal methods for dialysis waste material in Japan | |
| Publish Date | 2008/05 | |
| Author | Osamu Onoyama | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Onoyama Clinic |
| Author | Shinichiro Tsuchiya | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Tsuchiya General Hospital |
| Author | Rumi Sakai | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Sakai Rumi Clinic |
| Author | Yuichi Michimata | JJapanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Izumigaoka Clinic |
| Author | Tomoyuki Tajima | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Ichikawa Clinic |
| Author | Tatsuhiro Yamashita | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Yamashita Clinic |
| Author | Koichiro Goto | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Goto Clinic |
| Author | Tadashi Aoki | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Nishijin Hospital |
| Author | Chikao Yamazaki | Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians Masuko Clinic Subaru |
| [ Summary ] | At the present time, dialysis waste materials are classified as clinical industrial waste. As such, they only be discarded of during special garbage collections, carried out by experienced private contractors. However, despite improvements over the past decade, medical hazardous waste is still, on occasion, found in inappropriate locations in Japan. This type of waste often includes infectious agents and dangerous dialysis materials, as well as other materials. To improve this situation, the Japanese Association of Dialysis Physicians has annual meetings with private refuse contractors to reinforce the necessity of appropriate disposal of hazardous materials. Typically, clinics and hospitals contract private refuse companies for complete disposal of clinical waste. However, in the rare case of a third party being employed, oversights and errors can inadvertendy result in inappropriate disposal of clinical waste. Therefore, it is the responsibility of hospitals and clinics nationwide to check and recheck the effectiveness of their disposal systems and carefully reconfirm each and every garbage pick up. At the same time, we must closely follow the environmental examples of the E. U. in recycling dialyzer equipment to help minimize environmental problems. The conclusion is that clearer, more precise plans of action by the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Health and Labour and regional municipal authorities must be thought out and implemented. |
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