Baghdad: Mixing expired medications with regular waste and improper disposal of medical supplies are leading to severe water pollution in Iraq. The Iraqi Green Observatory has reported alarming levels of river water contamination due to the disposal of dialysis waste and other hazardous substances directly into the sewage system.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the observatory highlighted that medicines, disinfectants, and dialysis materials are being irresponsibly dumped, causing the river water to be laden with diseases and toxins. The annual report from the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, as cited by the observatory, emphasizes that the private sector’s current disposal practices for medicines and medical supplies do not adhere to the required standards. These materials should be processed using specialized equipment like autoclave shredding machines to ensure safe disposal through shredding, crushing, and steam sterilization.

The report further revealed a lack of proper incinerators and the shutdown of shredders which are essential for waste disposal. Consequently, the waste disposal committee resorts to grinding and compacting the hazardous materials using bulldozers, before transporting the mixed waste to landfills. This method poses significant health risks to individuals who may come into contact with it.

Moreover, the report underscores the detrimental impact of disposing medical waste, such as medicines and disinfectants, into sewage systems. This practice not only pollutes river water with pathogens and toxins but also accelerates the spread of epidemics. It contravenes the Environmental Protection and Improvement Law No. (27) of 2009, which mandates that all liquid waste undergo necessary treatment to meet environmental standards before being released into water bodies.