Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATED IN DENTAL RADIOLOGY- A REVIEW

Virender Gombra and Mandeep Kaur

Abstract

Biomedical waste consists of waste generated from health care institutes, hospitals and clinics. Biomedical waste also includes hazardous waste generated from dental clinics or hospitals. Radiographs assist in diagnosis and treatment planning. The procedure of taking radiographs results in heavy metal waste generation such as lead, silver and chemicals which are harmful for health. Proper handling and disposal of this waste is necessary for healthy environment. As healthcare waste producers, dentists and radiographers should take care to ensure all health care waste is managed and disposed of properly. Biomedical waste generated in dental radiology includes used X-ray fixers and developers; cleaners for X-ray developer systems; lead foils. This article discusses about the waste generated from dental radiology, its harmful effects for community and need for awareness along with regulations for hazardous waste management in dental clinics and hospitals.