Baghdad: The Iraqi Green Observatory has raised alarms over the severe environmental and health dangers posed by the improper management of hazardous medical waste from both government and private medical facilities.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Observatory reported that Iraq generates between 20 to 40 tons of hazardous medical waste daily across its governorates. Official channels manage the disposal and treatment of 400 to 500 tons monthly, indicating significant quantities of waste are produced outside the official system. Notably, private clinics and laboratories contribute to about 30-40% of this waste, particularly in major cities, without a dedicated collection system.

The Observatory further highlighted that Iraq annually transports approximately 19.7 million tons of municipal and solid waste to landfill sites, with a recycling rate of less than 0.1%. It emphasized the lack of coordinated and safe waste management, pointing out two primary disposal methods: random disposal in unlicensed municipal landfill sites or burning near residential areas, and improper disposal into sewage systems and water bodies. These practices have led to increased pollution in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and a rise in kidney failure and cancer cases.

The report also underscored the health risks from gases released during open-air burning, such as dioxins and sulfur dioxide, which contribute to ‘toxic clouds’ and respiratory diseases. Sanitation workers face heightened risks of contracting diseases like viral hepatitis and HIV due to exposure to contaminated medical instruments.

The Observatory has called for sufficient funding in national budgets to develop an integrated waste recycling and disposal system. It urged the closure of outdated incinerators and the adoption of modern sterilization and shredding technologies. Additionally, the observatory advocated for stringent regulations on private medical facilities to ensure the separation and proper disposal of their waste. It also demanded the closure of unlicensed landfill sites and the establishment of regulated landfills to prevent soil and groundwater contamination.