Hospital waste is a major environmental concern nowadays. It refers to materials originating from healthcare facilities, that are no more beneficial for living beings. Prior its final disposal it requires proper management and treatment to reduce its deleterious impacts. The purpose this review is to evaluate the waste management and treatment practices/techniques adopted in selected hospitals of four provinces of Pakistan. The study revealed that the waste management techniques (incineration, landfilling, autoclave and open dumping) in Pakistani hospitals have serious environmental implications. There is also a void in implementation of the existing legal framework for the adequate management and treatment of hospital waste, which can be overcome by adopting environmentally friendly techniques such as low temperature plasma, irradiation technology, reverse polymerization, and bioconverters.
Bioaerosols in indoor environment include substantial portion of fungi which are considered as “hidden killers”. Pakistan like other countries, also bears the atrocities of fungi and their mycotoxins and suffers more due to its favourable climate, weak economy and unawareness. Genus Aspergillus of Fungi is quite important and is predominant in indoor environment, along with Penicillium. There are not adequate research studies on the indoor micro-floral composition, however, the available data shows that numerous Aspergillus species are found inside the buildings whether they be houses, hospitals, laboratories, cafeteria or slaughterhouses. The mycotoxins produced by Aspergillus species include aflatoxins, fumonisins, citrinin, ochratoxins and cyclopiazonic acid. They are mainly carcinogenic and cause various diseases like aflatoxicosis, pentaketide nephrotoxin, and necrosis. To avoid such issues, fungal growth should be avoided by controlling temperature and humidity. In addition, fungicides, ultraviolet radiation or essential oils can be used against fungi. The condition of the buildings can also be adjusted to minimize fungal growth like building material, ventilation system, wall paint and hygiene. The database of the country is not satisfactory with insignificant laws and regulation. To estimate the potential risks of Aspergillus species and their mycotoxins, regular monitoring is required at all levels. It will also help to devise solutions related to health and environment related problems.
Radioactive materials are characterized by continuous emission of radiations that cannot be controlled by chemical methods. The high energy radiations pose threat to both environment and life forms. Nevertheless, they are also used in number of anthropogenic activities. Radioactive and nuclear advancements are the signs of industrial development, but simultaneously proper handling and management of radioactive waste is a paramount problem in developing countries like Pakistan. This article will explain Pakistan's current status for the safe management of radioactive waste, its limitations and what will be the possible alternatives to these problems. It also highlights various waste management and disposal strategies opted in Pakistan. Strategic division plan (SDP), PNRA, PAEC are the supreme bodies dealing with the facilities and licensing of radioactive waste.
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