Which organization regulates the disposal and handling of contaminated hazardous medical waste?

Which organization regulates the disposal and handling of contaminated hazardous medical waste?

• A. CDC
• B. EPA
• C. OSHA
• D. WHO

Answer: (B)

Disposal and handling of contaminated hazardous medical waste are governed by environmental waste-management rules that specify how such waste must be treated, stored, transported, and disposed to protect people and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency is the primary regulator for hazardous waste management in the United States, enforcing standards under laws like RCRA. This means facilities must follow prescribed treatment methods, use proper containment, maintain transport manifests, and dispose of waste at approved facilities. Clinical guidelines and worker safety play a role too, but they don’t set the disposal standards. The CDC provides infection-control guidance for handling waste safely in healthcare settings, and OSHA focuses on protecting workers through safety rules and training. WHO offers international health guidance, not regulatory authority in the U.S.

Disposal and handling of contaminated hazardous medical waste are governed by environmental waste-management rules that specify how such waste must be treated, stored, transported, and disposed to protect people and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency is the primary regulator for hazardous waste management in the United States, enforcing standards under laws like RCRA. This means facilities must follow prescribed treatment methods, use proper containment, maintain transport manifests, and dispose of waste at approved facilities.

Clinical guidelines and worker safety play a role too, but they don’t set the disposal standards. The CDC provides infection-control guidance for handling waste safely in healthcare settings, and OSHA focuses on protecting workers through safety rules and training. WHO offers international health guidance, not regulatory authority in the U.S.