In general, improperly-handled medical waste in a hospital or medical office is only a danger to those people who are on-site like doctors, nurses and patients. But medical waste that is improperly handled after it leaves the facility is a danger to the environment, which makes it a danger to the general public. And, unfortunately, this is a major and widespread problem. The healthcare system in the United States generates over 2 million tons of waste every year and …show more content…
How does this impact the environment? Many of these items contain toxins like mercury and when put into a landfill can contaminate groundwater that eventually ends up in the water supply that humans and animals drink. In addition, many items are contaminated with bacteria and other disease organisms that can also enter the public water