COMPOSITION AND PRODUCTION RATE OF DENTAL SOLID WASTE IN NORTH-WEST IRAN

Abstract

Aim: Today, one of the most important environmental issues is dental solid wastes that because of the presence of hazardous, toxic and pathogen agents have special importance. In this study, solid waste produced in Tabriz-Iran general dental offices was studied. Materials & Method: There were 440 dentists in the Prefecture of Tabriz. Only 320 dentists agreed to participate in this study. From each office 3 samples were analyzed at the end of successive working days (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday). Samples were manually sorted into different 22 components and by means of laboratory scale were measured. Then, measured components were classified on the basis of characteristic and hazardous potential as well as material type. Total annual waste produced in dental offices in Tabriz is 70848 kg. Results: Production percentages of infectious, domestic type and non-infectious wastes were 11.7%, 79.4% and 7.9%, respectively. Conclusion: For the proper management of dental waste, it is suggested that in addition to educating dentists in waste reduction, separation and recycling inside the offices, each section of dental waste be managed separately and according to related criteria.