Concentration of atmospheric pollutants in the gaseous emissions of medical waste incinerators

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to quantify the productionof medical waste from a general hospital and to evaluate the atmospheric pollutant concentrations in gaseous emissions associated with its incineration. A 3.8 kg (bed.day)-1 production of medical waste was estimated for 1998; its incineration isrelated with an ash production of 0.3-0.4 kg (bed.day)-1. The concentrations of atmospheric pollutants were estimatedusing emission factors, comparing the effluents with and withoutcontrol of atmospheric pollutants. The calculated concentrationswere compared with the emission limits established by Portuguese legislation. The results indicate that, if there is no controlof atmospheric pollutants, their concentrations exceed the established limits. This is observed even if correct operation andmaintenance procedures are used. The emission concentrations of dioxins are higher than the Portuguese emission limit, which is particularly worrying due to the high toxicity of some of these compounds. Generally, it is possible to reduce pollutant concentrations if appropriate control equipment is used. The conclusions obtained clearly justify the great concern regarding air pollution associated with medical waste incinerators currently operating in Portugal. © 2000 Air and Waste Management Association.