Baghdad - The Green Iraq Environmental Observatory warned today, Wednesday, in a statement followed by the news video agency, of environmental and health risks resulting from the improper disposal of medications, disinfectants, and dialysis waste, indicating direct discharge operations of these substances into sewage networks, in addition to mixing expired medications with regular waste.
The observatory mentioned, based on what was stated in the annual report of the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, that these practices could lead to the contamination of water sources with toxic materials and pathogens, posing a threat to the environment and public health.
The report explained that the legally approved mechanism for destroying medications, solutions, and medical supplies involves using a Shredding Autoclave device designated for the treatment of hazardous medical waste, through shredding, grinding, and sterilizing by steam, in order to minimize their risks.
It clarified that the absence of a legal incinerator and the stoppage of the shredding device designated for destruction have led destruction committees to adopt alternative methods, comprising grinding materials and compacting them using a backhoe through multiple passes before transporting and mixing them with regular waste at landfill sites.
The report indicated that this mechanism represents a health and environmental hazard due to the potential spread of pollutants, diseases, and epidemics, as well as the possibility of hazardous materials leaking into the soil and water.
It also warned that the disposal of medications and dialysis waste into sewage systems could lead to toxins and pathogens reaching water resources, affirming that this contradicts the provisions of the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. (27) of 2009, which prohibits the discharge of liquid waste into surface or groundwater without appropriate environmental treatment.
The observatory and oversight authorities called for addressing the weaknesses in the medical waste destruction system and providing specialized facilities and equipment to ensure safe disposal of such waste, protecting water resources and reducing health and environmental risks.