Microwave as an emerging technology for the treatment of biohazardous waste: A mini-review

Abstract

Microwave is an emerging technology to treat biohazardous waste, including material from healthcare facilities. A screen of the peerreviewed literature shows that only limited information may be found in this area of work and, furthermore, analysis of the references reveals that sometimes not all necessary aspects for the appropriate use of the technology are considered. Very often conventional microwave technology is applied for the inactivation of pathogens, which might make sense for certain applications but, on the other hand, may lead to the misbelief that microwave systems cannot be used for the inactivation of a solid "dry" waste. However, conventional microwave units have no means to control the inactivation process, and especially moisture content. But there are a few sophisticated microwave technologies with appropriate measurements allowing a validated inactivation of biohazardous materials. These technologies are an effective tool for inactivation and some of them are commercially available. It must also be considered that the waste should be preferably inactivated either directly at the place where it is generated or biohazardous waste should be transported only in closed systems. Moreover, microwave technology presents a possibility to save energy costs in comparison to the more widely used autoclaves. This mini-review will discuss important aspects for the use of microwave technology for the treatment of biohazardous waste.

Microwave Technologies: An Emerging Tool for Inactivation of Biohazardous Material in Developing Countries

“…The microwave device automatically adds water and controls moisture air, and heats up and inactivates the waste. Table 1 gives a short summary of major advantages and disadvantages of conventional and sophisticated microwave technologies [34].…”

“…However, in respect of energy costs and additional costs such as maintenance there is a clear difference. An example was calculated for 150 kg of a typical mixture of solid biohazardous waste per day using a Medister 160 microwave device with 6.5 kW power input [34]. Inactivation of 150 kg waste needs approximately 12 runs with 60 L containers.…”

Nanoparticles impact in biomedical waste management

“…Physicians, dental clinics, animal and slaughter houses, blood donation camps, vaccination centres, acupuncturists, cosmetic piercing, and institutes for disabled persons (Kumari et al, 2013; Zimmermann, 2017).…”

Materiais E Medicamentos Com Validade Expirada, Gerenciamento E Desafios

“…[5][6] Consistem-se os MAT/MED em produtos para uso em tratamento de saúde que, de acordo com a finalidade e uso do material, podem ser não invasivos, invasivos, ativos e especiais, segundo critérios preconizados pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), sendo responsabilidade do gestor as Boas Práticas de Armazenagem (BPA), boas práticas de distribuição, além do controle, treinamento, codificação, guarda e registro destes em formato físico ou eletrônico. [7][8] Produzem-se os medicamentos, por sua vez, a fim de evitar a expansão da patologia, curar, ser um paliativo durante o sofrimento na terminalidade e para a melhoria de diagnósticos médicos.…”