Resíduos dos serviços de saúde gerados em clínicas e hospitais veterinários em São Luís e Paço do Lumiar - MA

Abstract

Proper management of Health Service Waste (HSW) in animal health establishments is extremely important for reducing the production of this waste and the risks it poses to human and animal health and the environment. Chemical waste (Group B) poses risks when segregated and disposed of incorrectly, causing environmental impacts directly related to soil, water and air contamination. In this way, this work aimed to analyze the management of health service waste from medical-veterinary establishments in the municipalities of São Luís and Paço do Lumiar. Two methodological axes were used: the first component deals with an integrative review of biosafety and health service waste management, seeking to identify the relationship between biosafety and veterinary health service waste management, and based on scientific data from the national literature; the second component presents the perception of owners and employees of animal health service establishments in relation to waste management in two municipalities located on the island of São Luís, Maranhão, using questionnaires. In the approaches investigated, there was a pressing need for training as a form of continuing education for the professionals involved in the management of waste from veterinary health services (managers, veterinary doctors, veterinary assistants, general service assistants), as well as on issues related to biosafety. Despite a broad spectrum of regulations at the federal level, changes in working practices, prevention of exposure to potentially infectious biological materials and protection through immunization represent inseparable actions to minimize occupational exposure and the risk of accidents.It became clear that there is no effective inspection of the establishments and that the municipalities of São Luís and Paço do Lumiar do not have specific legislation on the management of health service waste, in addition to the perception that the managers of the establishments interviewed are unaware of the real importance of the health service waste management plan as a guideline for managing the waste generated by their establishments, in addition to environmental and public health responsibility.