China will use warning signs for medical waste packaging and containers

The State Environmental Protection Administration of China was informed that in order to prevent medical waste from polluting the environment, medical waste packaging and containers will use warning signs.

The State Environmental Protection Administration and the Ministry of Health jointly issued the "Regulations on Special Packaging Materials and Containers for Medical Wastes and Warning Signs." The regulation states that the special packaging for medical waste and container standard boxes should be yellow, and special warning signs must be used, and their specifications and performance must strictly meet the standards. Experts pointed out that packaging that does not meet the standards may cause leakage or infiltration of medical waste from Shengsheng, causing the spread of various epidemics.

The main packaging of medical waste includes packaging bags, sharp boxes and turnover boxes. In accordance with the "Regulations," if there is infectious waste in the packaging bag, the words "infectious waste" should be noted. The sharp box should be made of hard materials, sealed, and marked with the words "damage waste." The tote should prevent liquid leakage and facilitate disinfection. Polyvinyl chloride cannot be used as a raw material for packaging bags and sharps boxes.

China produces 650,000 tons of medical waste each year. Since the outbreak of the SARS epidemic last year, the Chinese government has made strict management of medical waste as an important means for preventing iatrogenic transmission of infectious diseases. It is reported that the government will invest more than 7 billion yuan in the next two to three years to centralize the disposal of medical waste.