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PubMedDate not supplied

The use of a quality-improvement approach to reduce needlestick injuries in a Saudi Arabian hospital.

OBJECTIVE/DESIGN: An increase was noted in the incidence of needlestick injuries in our institution. A retrospective study was carried out analyzing the accident reports and medical records of needle-stick injuries from January 1995 to July 1996. Study variables included monthly incidence; location; injury site; mechanism; staff vocational status; source virological status; staff immunity; and serological conversion to hepatitis B and C viruses and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). SETTING: 350-bed general hospital in Western Saudi Arabia employing 2,083 employees of many different nationalities. RESULTS: 126 injuries were identified. Thirty percent of injuries occurred in the operating room and 28% on general wards. Twenty-five injuries occurred during a surgical procedure in the operating room, 22 injuries were caused by undisposed sharps, 11 occurred during suturing, 11 occurred during injection, and 10 occurred while disposing of refuse. At least 38% of the injuries were avoidable. Sixty percent of those injured were nurses, 30% were medical staff, and 6% were housekeeping staff. Nine of the identifiable sources were hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, nine were hepatitis C antibody-positive, and none were anti-HIV positive. Eighty-nine percent of injuries involved the hands. None of our injured employees had seroconverted at 3, 6, or 9 months follow-up to HIV, hepatitis C, or hepatitis B. Eighty-four percent of injured staff were hepatitis B immune. CONCLUSION: Steps taken to reduce the future incidence of injuries included the provision of readily accessible sharps boxes, a hospitalwide education program focusing on safe handling and disposal of sharps, and the development of clear policies and procedures for dealing with sharps injuries. A further study will be conducted 12 months after the introduction of these measures.

Blood-Borne Pathogens↗
PubMed1990

Coprophilous mite communities as affected by concentration of plastic and glass particles.

The community and trophic structure of mites was examined in cattle manure and their response to treatment of manure with solid-waste particles was investigated. Mites were collected from artificial dung pats exposed to natural colonization in the field for 16 days. The pats were composed of manure alone or manure separately mixed with waste-material particles of four types and concentrations. Mites were the numerically dominant taxon among arthropods in manure. The Prostigmata was the most abundant suborder, mainly represented by the families Pygmephoridae and Ereynetidae. The common families of Mesostigmata were all cosmopolitan. Correlations with other arthropods suggest that Mesostigmata are opportunistic predators, preying upon dipteran larvae, Collembola and other mites, and preyed upon by larger predatory insect larvae. Cryptostigmata and Astigmata were a numerically minor community component. The species composition and abundance upon treatment of manure with polyethylene, polystyrene and glass particles was similar to that of the treatment control, i.e. natural and inert sand. Relatively low concentrations, 5 and 30% (v/v), of particles in manure did not alter the mite communities despite important differences with untreated manure in final moisture content. These findings may be relevant to proposed methods of solid-waste disposal. High particle concentrations of 60 and 90% had detrimental effects to the abundance of mites in manure and were caused by the very low final moisture content and probably nutrient deficiency of these treatments. The persistence of members of the prostigmatid families Tydeidae, Nanorchestidae and Tarsonemidae in the moisture-deficient 90%-concentration treatments supports previous evidence of adaptations to low-water-content habitats.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Impacts of gold mine waste disposal on deepwater fish in a pristine tropical marine system.

Little is known about the impacts of mine waste disposal, including deep-sea tailings, on tropical marine environments and this study presents the first account of this impact on deepwater fish communities. The Lihir gold mine in Papua New Guinea has deposited both excavated overburden and processed tailings slurry into the coastal environment since 1997. The abundances of fish species and trace metal concentrations in their tissues were compared between sites adjacent to and away from the mine. In this study (1999-2002), 975 fish of 98 species were caught. Significantly fewer fish were caught close to the mine than in neighbouring regions; the highest numbers were in regions distant from the mine. The catch rates of nine of the 17 most abundant species were lowest, and in three species were highest, close to the mine. There appears to be limited contamination in fish tissues caused by trace metals disposed as mine waste. Although arsenic (several species) and mercury (one species) were found in concentrations above Australian food standards. However, as in the baseline (pre-mine) sampling, it appears they are accumulating these metals mostly from naturally-occurring sources rather than the mine waste.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Levels of chromosomal damage in hepatocytes of wild rats living within the area of a waste disposal plant.

Genetic damage induced by ionizing radiation or chemical mutagens/carcinogens has been shown to persist over periods of months in rat hepatocytes, implying that continual exposure to low levels of mutagens will cause an accumulation of damage. Thus, it was assumed that hepatocytes of wild rats could be useful as 'biological indicators' for the exposure to mutagens/carcinogens in the environment. To test for this hypothesis house rats (Rattus rattus) were trapped at a waste disposal site and the levels of micronuclei and chromosomal aberrations determined. The results indicate that the frequency of chromosomal aberrations increases with the weight (age) of the animals, while micronuclei did not significantly differ from the level found in laboratory rats. For comparison Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) trapped at the same site were analyzed for the same cytogenetic endpoints. We note a less pronounced weight dependent increase of chromosomal aberrations, most probably reflecting the different residence time at the waste disposal plant, an age dependent decrease of chromosomal aberrations of the F1-generation housed in the animal facility, indicating that the offspring had been exposed transplacentally and an age independent level of chromosomal, aberrations in the F2-generation not significantly different from that of the Fischer 344 laboratory rat.

Aging↗
PubMed2005

Municipal solid waste management challenges in developing countries--Kenyan case study.

This paper provides an overview of the state of municipal solid waste management (MSWM) by local authorities in Kenya as a case study of a low-income developing country. Approaches of possible solutions that can be undertaken to improve municipal solid waste (MSW) services are discussed. Poor economic growth (1.1% in 1993) has resulted in an increase in the poverty level which presently stands at 56%. Migration from the rural areas to the urban areas has resulted in unplanned settlements in suburban areas accommodating about 60% of the urban population on only 5% urban land area. Political interference also hampers smooth running of local authorities. Vulnerability of pollution of surface and groundwater is high because local authorities rarely considered environmental impact in siting MSW disposal sites. Illegal dumping of MSW on the river banks or on the roadside poses environmental and economic threats on nearby properties. Poor servicing of MSW collection vehicles, poor state of infrastructure and the lack of adequate funding militate against optimization of MSW disposal service. The rural economy needs to be improved if rural-urban migration is to be managed. Involvement of stakeholders is important to achieve any meaningful and sustainable MSWM. The role of the informal sector through community-based organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the private sector in offering solutions towards improvement of MSWM also is explored.

Community Participation↗
PubMed2001

Position of the American Dietetic Association: dietetics professionals can implement practices to conserve natural resources and protect the environment. (Previously titled "natural resource conservation and waste management").

It is the position of the American Dietetic Association to encourage environmentally responsible practices that conserve natural resources, minimize the quantity of waste that is generated, and have the least adverse affect on the health of all living organisms and the environment. All components of the food system, from farmer to consumer, are affected by the availability and cost of energy and the availability and quality of water. Outdoor and indoor air quality significantly impacts the health of all living organisms. Decisions that dietetics professionals make as practitioners and consumers can affect the quantity and type of solid waste generated. The demand for natural resources should be evaluated when selecting the most cost-effective, environmentally sensitive approach to the management of solid waste. Special precautions are needed when using and disposing of hazardous and medical waste to protect the safety of our clients and employees. This position paper provides information and resources for dietetics professionals for addressing the complexity of the environmental issue presented. Conservation strategies are identified that dietetics professionals can use in their worksites and at home. These conservation practices may reduce cost and decrease the environmental impact we have on our communities and the world.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2003

Treatment and disposal of refinery sludges: Indian scenario.

Crude oil is a major source of energy and feedstock for petrochemicals. Oily sludge, bio-sludge and chemical sludge are the major sludges generated from the processes and effluent treatment plants of the refineries engaged in crude oil refining operations. Refineries in India generate about 28,220 tons of sludge per annum. Various types of pollutants like phenols, heavy metals, etc. are present in the sludges and they are treated as hazardous waste. Oily sludge, which is generated in much higher amount compared to other sludges, contains phenol (90-100 mg/kg), nickel (17-25 mg/kg), chromium (27-80 mg/kg), zinc (7-80 mg/kg), manganese (19-24 mg/kg), cadmium (0.8-2 mg/kg), copper (32-120 mg/kg) and lead (0.001-0.12 mg/ kg). Uncontrolled disposal practices of sludges in India cause degradation of environmental and depreciation of aesthetic quality. Environmental impact due to improper sludge management has also been identified. Salient features of various treatment and disposal practices have been discussed. Findings of a case study undertaken by the authors for Numaligarh Refinery in India have been presented. Various system alternatives have been identified for waste management in Numaligarh Refinery. A ranking exercise has been carried out to evaluate the alternatives and select the appropriate one. A detailed design of the selected waste management system has been presented.

Environmental Monitoring↗
PubMed1987

Waste disposal tangled by liability and conflicting regulations.

In this issue HMM examines the problem of trash disposal. What are hospitals doing with their wastes? In many areas landfills are either running out of space or increasingly unwilling to accept hospital wastes. The next HMM Price Exclusive will survey the prices materials managers are paying for wound closures. Read the next HMM Price Exclusive and see what kinds of contracts and deals materials managers are getting for these important supplies.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.↗
PubMed2004

Comparison between controlled landfill reactor and conditioned landfill bioreactor.

Bioreactor landfills allow a more active landfill management that recognizes the biological, chemical and physical processes involved in a landfill environment. The laboratory-scale simulators of landfill reactors treating municipal solid wastes were studied, the effect of solid waste size, leachate recirculation, nutrient balance, pH value, moisture content and temperature on the rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) biodegradation were determined, and it indicated the optimum pH value, moisture content and temperature decomposing MSW. The results of waste biodegradation were compared with that of the leachate-recirculated landfill simulator and conservative sanitary landfill simulator. In the control experiment the antitheses of a decreasing trend of the organic load, measured as biological oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand, was shown. An obvious enhancement of effective disposal from conservative sanitary landfill (CSL) simulator, to the leachate-recirculated landfill (LRL) simulator and to the conditioned bioreactor landfill (CBL) simulator would be noted, through displaying the compared results of solid waste settlement, heavy metal concentration in leachate, methane production rate, biogas composition, BOD and COD as well as their ratio.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗
PubMed2004

A new procedure for treatment of oily slurry using geotextile filters.

A new procedure to mitigate the environmental impacts and reduce the cost of disposal of oil slurry is present in this paper. Waste from the petroleum industry has a high environmental impact. Systems for oil-water separation have been used to mitigate the contamination potential of these types of effluents. At the outlet of these systems, the oil is skimmed-off the surface, while the slurry is removed from the base. Due to the high concentration of contaminants, the disposal of this slurry is an environmentally hazardous practice. Usually this type of waste is disposed of in tanks or landfills after removal from the industrial plant. Basically, the proposed procedure utilizes drying beds with geotextile filters to both reduce the water content in the slurry and obtain a less contaminated effluent. Laboratory tests were carried out to simulate the drying system. Four types of filters were analyzed: two non-woven geotextiles, one woven geotextile, and a sand filter.

Desiccation↗
PubMed1979

Colored gift wrapping papers as a potential source of toxic metals.

Sanitary land fills are the alternate to waste incineration in New Jersey. While industrial waste disposal is controlled, few restrictions apply to the disposal of domestic solid waste. Among the materials of concern from domestic sources are colored gift wrapping papers. Cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead and zinc were determined in some dozen and a half samples of gift wrapping paper by atomic absorption spectrometry after wet ashing and after simulated leaching. High levels of lead and chromium were found in many of the papers. The leachates showed correspondingly high levels of lead.

Metals↗
PubMed1983

Environmental politics and science: the case of PBB contamination in Michigan.

This article examines how politics and science interacted against a background of uncertainty to shape policy in the case of environmental contamination by polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) in Michigan. In 1973, between 500 and 1,000 pounds of the flame retardant PBB were accidentally shipped and used instead of the dairy feed additive magnesium oxide, resulting in the widespread contamination of animal feeds, animals, and human food products. The contamination was initially perceived as the private trouble of a single farmer. The problem next became a public issue as public and private institutions grappled with questions of illness, safety, and disposal. To gain influence over those institutions, dissatisfied individuals and groups then turned the PBB contamination into a political controversy. The final section of the present article analyzes how science and politics interacted in: the ways bureaucratic organizations defined the three problems of contamination; the role political controversy played in redefining problems and influencing policy; and the political roles of scientists in controversies over environmental contamination.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Maternal knowledge, attitudes, and practices as predictors of diarrboeal disease in Saudi children < 3 years of age.

Diarrhoeal disease continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in many developing countries. This study demonstrates the importance of behavioral risk factors as determinants of diarrhoeal disease. The study design used is incidence-base, case-control design. The cases were obtained from Primary Health Care Centers (PHCC) in Makkah area, Saudi Arabia, during October 1994 to January 1995. The studied sample consisted of 319 cases and 312 controls < 3 years of age. The results showed that mothers of cases were significant inferior knowledge about aetiology and transmission of diarrhoeal disease than did mothers of controls. Poor hygiene was significantly high in households of cases for two items; disposal of faeces in latrine and presence of toilet papers (p < 0.05). Assuming causal association between the risk factors and diarrhoeal disease, up to 60% of diarrhoeal disease in the study population may be attributable to the studied behavioral factors.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Hazard analysis of technologies for disposing explosive waste.

Hazards are identified for six different techniques for disposing decommissioned ammunition. Use has been made of functional modelling as a basis for hazard identification. Risk levels are estimated based on general accident rates in the chemical industry. The disposal techniques are "open burning" (OB), "open detonation" (OD), "closed detonation" (CD), "fluidised bed combustion" (FBC), "rotary kiln (RK) incineration", "mobile incineration". Closed detonation leads to most hazards and highest risk, followed by open burning and open detonation. The other three techniques are considerably safer. Risk due to transport is included in the analysis. Transport risk is not negligible for fluidised bed combustion and rotary kiln incineration at centrally located sites.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed2001

National inventory of organic wastes for use as growing media for ornamental potted plant production: case study in Spain.

An inventory of materials suitable for use as growing media for ornamental potted plant production in Spain has been prepared. Special attention has been paid to solid organic wastes generated by production, industrial and consumer activities. Information obtained from this study has been organised into two data bases. Data base 1 contains the "General Characteristics" file of more than 105 materials. In this file, data are available regarding generation points, material availability, uses, cost, disposal expenses, etc. Data base 2 is comprised of the "Specific Properties" file of 63 materials selected from data base 1. The main physical, chemical and biological properties of these materials as container media have been characterised, and the results obtained have been compiled. Finally, a computerised data bank has been created which can be found in the home page of the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (http://agritel2.mapya.es/sustratos/).

Databases as Topic↗
PubMed2003

Moisture monitoring in waste disposal surface barriers.

Surface barriers for waste disposal sites should prevent waste water and gas emission into the environment. It is necessary to assess their proper operation by monitoring the water regime of the containment. A set of three new water content measuring devices has been developed that provide an economical solution for monitoring the moisture distribution and water dynamic. They will give an early warning service if the barrier system is at risk of being damaged. The cryo soil moisture sensor 'LUMBRICUS' is an in situ self-calibrating absolute water content measuring device. It measures moisture profiles at spot locations down to 2.5 m depth with an accuracy of better than 1.5% and a depth resolution of 0.03 m. The sensor inherently measures density changes and initial cracks of shrinking materials like clay minerals. The large area soil moisture sensor 'TAUPE' is a moisture sensitive electric cable network to be buried in the mineral barrier material of the cover. A report will be given with results and experiences on an exemplary installation at the Waste Disposal Facility Karlsruhe-West. 800 m2 of the barrier construction have been continuously monitored since December 1997. Volumetric water content differences of 1.5% have been detected and localised within 4 m. This device is already installed in two other waste disposal sites. A modified 'TAUPE' was constructed for the control of tunnels and river dams as well. Thin sheet moisture sensor 'FORMI' is specifically designed for moisture measurements in liners like bentonite, textile and plastic. Due to its flexibility it follows the curvature of the liner. The sensor measures independently from neighbouring materials and can be matched to a wide range of different thickness of the material. The sensors are patented in several countries.

Air Pollution↗
PubMed2001

Studies on the evaluation of municipal waste management systems.

The municipal waste disposal system is at a turning point now, because full-scale efforts are demanded to approach the goal of 'the construction of a waste-recycling society'. An attempt was made to evaluate municipal solid waste management systems with easier indexes in the model area. This study includes two evaluation systems. One evaluation system (case 1) is based on the analysis of waste management costs. Different waste disposal systems can be easily evaluated by comparing the waste disposal costs associated with them. However, it seems risky to rate cities only by the results of an analysis of the waste disposal cost data, since the municipalities build, acquire or expand facilities independently from one another. The associated costs are not summed in a uniform way by all municipalities and for other reasons. The other evaluation system (case 2) is based on the 'amenity and comfort ranking of cities' (Keizai 1998). Judgment by one evaluation index alone for a waste disposal system seems risky since the data in that case are insufficient for proper evaluation of a city. Hence, it is desirable to use two or more indices representative of a future ideal system. The results of the study demonstrated that Toyo Keizai's method of 'amenity and comfort ranking of cities' is better than the method of comparing solid waste management costs.

Cities↗
PubMed2002

Review: mercury in waste incineration.

The paper investigates the sources of mercury (Hg) in municipal/industrial waste and the consequences of the presence of this pollutant for the incineration of this waste. About 1990 the average mercury concentration of the feed stream to incinerators was about 4 mg kg(-1). The concentration decreased considerably during the last decade thanks to a considerable reduction of the application of mercury and to the introduction of effective battery return systems. Presently the mercury concentration in municipal SOLID waste is approximately 2 mg kg(-1). During incineration mercury passes practically for 100% in the flue gas. The techniques for mercury removal from flue gases are discussed at the hand of practical examples. It is concluded that there are a number of processes which guarantee mercury concentrations of <50 microg Nm(-3) in the clean gas, the present emission limit concentration. All mercury control processes produce a new solid or liquid waste stream that contains the mercury removed from the flue gas. This stream has to be disposed of as hazardous waste in a qualified landfill. The flue gas from waste incinerators undergoes very rapid dispersion and dilution after leaving the incinerator stack. It follows that the maximum mercury concentration in the ambient air will remain at least five to six orders of magnitude below the lowest MAC value (=Maximum Admissible Concentration in work spaces) and that public health will not be threatened.

Air Pollution↗