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Siksha Srijan Academy of Technology and Management
Siksha Srijan Academy of Technology and
Management
Contact : 7449393135 / 6291355543
BHM 4th Semester
ENVS
**Air Pollution and Control**
Air pollution in hospitals is caused by various factors, including emissions from
medical equipment, chemical disinfectants, and bioaerosols from patient care.
Major sources of air pollutants in hospitals include:
- **Chemical disinfectants**: Release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the
air.
- **Medical waste incineration**: Produces carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide
(SO2), and dioxins.
- **HVAC systems**: Poor maintenance can circulate airborne pathogens and
particulate matter (PM).
**Effects of Air Pollutants in Hospitals**
- Respiratory diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
- Increased risk of infections due to airborne pathogens.
- Long-term exposure leading to chronic illnesses.
**Primary & Secondary Pollutants**
- **Primary pollutants**: Directly emitted, e.g., CO, SO2, and particulate matter.
- **Secondary pollutants**: Formed through chemical reactions in the
atmosphere, e.g., ozone (O3) and peroxyacyl nitrates (PANs).
**Greenhouse Effect and Ozone Layer Depletion**
- Greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4, N2O) trap heat, leading to global warming.
- Ozone layer depletion caused by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) increases UV
radiation exposure, raising risks of skin cancer and cataracts.
**The Air (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1981**
- Enacted to prevent and control air pollution.
- Establishes Central and State Pollution Control Boards.
- Regulates industrial emissions and promotes cleaner technologies.
**Water Pollution and Control**
**Hydrosphere & Natural Water**
- The hydrosphere includes all water bodies (rivers, lakes, oceans, groundwater).
- Natural water may be polluted by human and industrial activities.
**Pollutants: Origin and Effects**
- **Industrial effluents**: Heavy metals, toxic chemicals leading to health
hazards.
- **Municipal sewage**: Organic waste causing oxygen depletion.
- **Agricultural runoff**: Pesticides and fertilizers causing eutrophication.
**Water Pollution in Rivers, Lakes, and Groundwater**
- Rivers: Industrial discharge and sewage disposal deteriorate quality.
Prepared hy Joy Bhowmick
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Siksha Srijan Academy of Technology and Management
- Lakes: Algal blooms due to nutrient overload.
- Groundwater: Contamination from landfill leachates and industrial chemicals.
**Financial Implications & Control Measures**
- High costs for establishing treatment plants and monitoring systems.
- **Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs)**: Reduce biological and chemical
contaminants.
- **Water Treatment Plants (WTPs)**: Purify drinking water for hospital use.
**Legislation and Standards**
- Central and State Pollution Control Boards enforce quality standards.
- Regulations mandate treatment of hospital wastewater before disposal
**Land Pollution**
**Lithosphere & Pollutants**
- The lithosphere comprises the Earth's solid outer layer.
- Pollutants include municipal, industrial, commercial, agricultural, and hospital
waste.
**Effects of Solid Waste**
- **Municipal waste**: Clogs drainage, harbors disease vectors.
- **Industrial waste**: Toxic chemicals contaminate soil.
- **Hospital waste**: Biomedical waste poses infection risks.
**Collection & Disposal of Solid Waste**
- **Segregation**: Differentiating hazardous and non-hazardous waste.
- **Incineration**: High-temperature treatment for infectious waste.
- **Landfilling & Recycling**: Managed disposal with resource recovery.
**Financial Implications**
- Investment in waste management infrastructure.
- Cost of compliance with waste disposal regulations.
**Noise Pollution**
**Sources of Noise Pollution in Hospitals**
- Medical equipment (MRI, ventilators, alarms).
- Traffic and construction activities.
- Conversations and patient care activities.
**Effects of Noise Pollution**
- Increased stress and fatigue in hospital staff.
- Disruption of patient recovery and sleep.
- Long-term exposure may lead to hearing impairment.
**Standards for Noise Pollution Control**
- WHO recommends hospital noise levels below 35 dB in patient rooms.
- Use of soundproofing, controlled access, and quiet zones in hospitals.
This document provides an overview of different types of pollution affecting
hospitals and the measures required for their control.
Prepared hy Joy Bhowmick
