AMA Endorses Medical Waste Control Efforts

The American Medical Assn.’s House of Delegates acknowledged Wednesday that infectious medical waste is “polluting the environment” and threatening beaches but said existing laws should control the problem.

The report, adopted as policy by the nation’s largest physician-membership organization, stated that federal and state laws “if adhered to and properly enforced” should be adequate to protect the public and environment.

“Irresponsible, uncontrolled waste disposal is polluting the environment and threatening the use of vast recreational areas of the nation’s coastlines,” the report said, citing several examples. “Infectious waste is only a minor part of the total litter, but it has become a major public concern that should be addressed as rapidly as possible.”

The report said U.S. hospitals generate from 750 million to 800 million pounds of waste a year and that 15% of it is infectious. Each hospital bed in the country, the report added, creates about 1.5 pounds of infectious waste per day.

“Most hospitals are thought to be doing an adequate job of disposal,” it said. “However, they are not the only generators of infectious waste, for physician’s and dentist’s offices, small laboratories and medical clinics are also potential sources.”

Earlier Wednesday, the delegates adopted a resolution reaffirming the group’s commitment to animal research and resolving to work to heighten public understanding of the issue.

The delegates adopted a resolution that says: “Research using animals will continue to be critical for the future advancement of knowledge and treatment of human diseases.”