Briefly describe the different categories of health care waste as per WHO classification with example.

The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies healthcare waste into different categories based on the potential risk it poses to human health and the environment. The categories are as follows:

1. General (Non-Hazardous) Waste: This includes non-infectious, non-hazardous waste generated from administrative areas, kitchens, and general cleaning activities. Examples include paper, packaging materials, and food waste.

2. Hazardous Waste: This category encompasses waste that poses potential hazards to human health or the environment. It includes:

   • Sharps Waste: Items that can cause puncture or cuts, such as needles, syringes, and scalpels.
   • Infectious Waste: Waste contaminated with blood, bodily fluids, or potentially infectious materials, such as used bandages, swabs, and cultures.
   • Chemical Waste: Discarded chemicals, including disinfectants, laboratory reagents, and expired medications.
   • Pharmaceutical Waste: Unused, expired, or contaminated drugs and pharmaceutical products.
   • Radioactive Waste: Materials contaminated with radioactive substances, such as gloves, vials, and protective clothing used in nuclear medicine.
   • Genotoxic Waste: Waste containing cytotoxic drugs or substances that can cause genetic mutations, such as chemotherapy waste.

3. Other Specific Wastes: This category includes wastes with specific requirements for handling and disposal, such as pathological waste (human tissues, organs), and pressurized containers (e.g., aerosol cans).

Proper segregation, handling, treatment, and disposal of healthcare waste according to its category are crucial to prevent infection transmission, minimize environmental impact, and ensure occupational safety in healthcare settings.