What is the most dangerous type of health care waste due to its potential for causing injury and infection?

Sharps are considered the most dangerous type of health care waste primarily due to their potential to cause injury and infection. This category includes items such as needles, scalpel blades, and broken glass, which can easily penetrate the skin and pose a risk of transmitting infections, including bloodborne pathogens like hepatitis and HIV. The risks associated with sharps are heightened in healthcare settings where the likelihood of exposure is greater because of the close proximity of healthcare workers to these items.

Unlike other waste types, such as pharmaceutical waste or chemical waste, which may present hazards primarily related to toxicity or environmental contamination, sharps represent an immediate physical danger. Proper disposal and management of sharps are critical to preventing needle-stick injuries and ensuring the safety of healthcare workers and patients alike. This is why specialized containers for sharps disposal are mandated in healthcare settings to mitigate these risks effectively.