Total suspended particulate (TSP), polychlorinated dibenzodioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) emissions from medical waste incinerators in Antioquia, Colombia.
Results of a preliminary survey of particulate and dioxin emissions in combustion gases from hospital waste incinerators in Antioquia-Colombia are presented. Base line data of total suspended particulate (TSP) and polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) emissions in incinerators from health care institutions in Antioquia-Colombia will be used to improve the management of medical waste in the local context. All monitored incinerators are batch operated. TSP exceeds 80 mg Nm(-3) in 8 out of 12 incinerators. Dioxin emissions are in the range from about 7 to 700 I-TEQ (ng Nm(-3)). Such a significant amount of dioxin emissions did correlate with entrained particulate matter, mainly as a consequence of poor control of operation parameters. Several suggestions are made to improve medical waste management practices in Colombia.
Hoyos
A
A
Environmental Catalysis Research Group, Universidad de Antioquia, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Calle 62 # 52-59, Medellín, Colombia.
Cobo
M
M
Aristizábal
B
B
Córdoba
F
F
Montes de Correa
C
C
D000393:Air Pollutants / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D001572:Benzofurans / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D003105:Colombia; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D017745:Incineration; D008506:Medical Waste; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry; D013535:Suspensions
D000393:Air Pollutants; D001572:Benzofurans; D000072338:Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated; D008506:Medical Waste; D052638:Particulate Matter; D000072317:Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins; D013535:Suspensions