As civilization progresses and grows, so does the amount of waste produced. Unfortunately, much of this waste can contain harmful disease-causing substances, such as bacteria, fungi and viruses, which can be transmitted to humans. Infectious waste largely comes from the human population, but can also come from animal sources.
Human Waste
Human waste consists largely of feces, which can easily spread many diseases. Common harmful bacteria and disease-causing microbes that can be found in human waste include salmonella, E. coli, cryptosporidium, candida, parasites such as the ascaris worm and even some forms of hepatitis. To prevent infection from human waste, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands on a regular basis, especially after using the bathroom.
Animal Waste
Animal waste, such as feces and dead carcasses, can also spread diseases. For example, both hookworms and round worms are capable of being spread from animal to human through contact with infected dog feces. Toxoplasmosis is another disease that is spread to humans from animals through cat feces. Livestock feces is often used as a natural fertilizer, but if not treated correctly, this manure can leak into the water supply, potentially contaminating it, according to research performed by the Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science. Dead animal carcasses can also harbor disease, which can spread to other animals as the carcass is eaten.
Blood
Blood is also categorized as infectious waste, and often carries some of the most deadly diseases. Diseases that can be passed on through blood include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and hemorrhagic fevers, such as the deadly ebola virus. These diseases are often transmitted through infected blood that is exposed to an open wound on your body, or by the skin being infiltrated by an infected needle or other sharp objects. This is why hospitals and other medical and lab facilities use hazardous waste disposal practices to collect instruments such as needles, which are then incinerated at a medical waste disposal center, states the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.
Sexual Fluids
Sexual fluids, such as semen, are also classified as infectious waste. These fluids are mostly associated with sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs. Common STDs spread through this form of infectious waste include HIV, HPV, herpes, syphilis, gonorrhea and hepatitis B.
References
- Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection: Infectious Waste Disposal & Transport
- Oregon Department of Environmental Quality: Infectious Waste
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Infectious Waste
- Journal of Environmental Quality: Sources of Pathogenic Microorganisms
- Net Wellness: Pets and Human Illness - What's the Connection?
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