Development of An Environmental Friendly Method for Disposing Formalin-Fixed Specimens

Abstract

According to the Guidelines on Handling and Management of Clinical Wastes in Malaysia (DOE, 2009), pathological waste has been defined as hazardous clinical waste and its current disposal practices in Malaysia is in accordance with the Environmental Quality Act 1974 legislation. Formalin is commonly used to preserve pathological specimens, and incineration is commonly used to dispose of this formalin-fixed pathological waste. However, the practice is costly, can release very toxic substances and its role in disposing of human waste in a respectful manner is still questionable among the local community. Deep burial was considered as a viable alternative because it is a low-cost and Shari'ah-compliant method of disposing of human bodies and pathological waste. Patients and families at Hospi-tal Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) have been increasingly requesting deep burial procedures in recent years.