2020, Number 4
Final Disposal of Medical Devices in two Neighborhoods of Cali City, Colombia, in 2020
Language: Spanish
References: 12
Page: 1-17
PDF size: 688.64 Kb.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Medical devices are any piece of equipment or similar ones used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases. These elements are frequently used in homes and some come into contact with body fluids, a reason why they are waste dangerous for health and the environment.Objective: To analyze community practices concerning the final disposal of medical devices in Cali City, Colombia.
Methods: A survey was carried out with 100 participants, and in which they were inquired about the practices to dispose of used medical devices at home. This survey facilitated obtaining sociodemographic data, such as sex, age and socioeconomic status. It consisted of nine questions about the usage of medical devices in homes, final disposal practices, and knowledge of guidelines for their proper implementation.
Results: 100% of the participants were found to have used medical devices, mostly cotton, gauze and adhesive bandages. Of these, almost 50% discarded them together with the rest of the waste materials, while 33.3% separated it in different containers; although finally, they mixed them with the other wastes, and only 4% of those surveyed had differentiation methods for dangerous wastes. The community acquire these devices mainly in drugstores.
Conclusions: Medical devices are products of frequent usage among the inhabitants of the Pampalinda and Siete de Agosto neighborhoods of Cali City, Colombia. However, there is lack of knowledge and lack of interest from some people regarding their final disposal, which is intensified because there is no document issued from specialized government entities offering guides in this respect, by which to reduce the environmental impact caused by these products.
REFERENCES
Vargas J, Muso E. Evaluación de bioaerosoles asociados en el sitio de disposición final de residuos sólidos en la Empresa Pública de Aseo y Gestión Ambiental del cantón Latacunga (EPAGAL). [Trabajo de Grado Ingeniería Bioquímica]. [Colombia]: Universidad Técnica de Ambato; 2017 [acceso 30/08/2019]. Disponible en: http://repositorio.uta.edu.ec/handle/123456789/25304
Turcott E, Rivera B, Herrera N, Névarez V, Diaz M, Lozoya L, Cuevas G. Desinfección química para los residuos peligrosos biológico-infecciosos. XV Congreso Nacional de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ciencias Ambientales, Federación Mexicana de Ingeniería Sanitaria y Ciencias Ambientales. México: AC. Guadalajara; 2006. Disponible en: https://docplayer.es/12846729-Desinfeccion-quimica-para-los-residuos-peligrososbiologico- infecciosos.html