8 Eye-Opening Facts About Medical Waste Pathogens
We all know that medical waste causes disease. Because it is a by-product of the provision of health care, it contains high amounts of disease-causing microorganisms (called pathogens) compared to household waste. These pathogens make medical waste very dangerous when released it is into the environment.
Studies from the World Health Organization (WHO) report on specific infections caused by the improper disposal of medical waste into the environment. Improper disposal can lead to:
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Parasitic Infections
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Infection of the Airways and Lungs
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Meningitis
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Diseases from Improperly Disposed Waste with Traces of Vaccines
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Bacteremia
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Infections of Reproductive Organs
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HIV and Hepatitis B and C Viruses
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Hemorrhagic Fevers