| Theme | Dialysis Therapy and Medical Waste | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Current situation of home care medical waste : CAPD in local region | |
| Publish Date | 2008/05 | |
| Author | Yasuyuki Yoshino | Yoshino Miyake Station Clinic |
| [ Summary ] | 197 residents of the San-in region were asked to participate in a CAPD waste disposal survey. The results indicated that CAPD waste was collected at all districts within Shimane, while 45 % of this waste was not collected in Tottori, with the rest being collected by medical institutions and local officials. Drainage bags and kits are usually collected as flammable garbage, but 23 to 46 % of these items were classified as non-flammable garbage in Shimane. 71 to 83 % of drainage fluid was disposed of in toilets. In Shimane, 23 % was disposed of in ditches, fields or rivers. Comments on waste disposal included complaints about the high volume of waste and the frequency of emissions or discharges, as well as high garbage bag costs. In conclusion, there were diiferent ways of disposing of medical wastes in various communities. In Tottori, medical waste was collected by local officials and medical institutions, but it is hard for patients to take waste to proper locations for disposal. According to local governments, however, the most important consideration is the safety of waste collection workers. Therefore, concerned individuals require greater efforts to encourage them to better understand medical waste. |
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