PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT

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The Biomedical Waste (Management & Handling) Rules, 1998 notified by the Government of India, contain provisions, inter alia, for regulating the use of incinerators in the country for disposal of biomedical wastes. Under these Rules, incineration of chlorinated plastics has been prohibited. Only double chambered incinerators under controlled temperature conditions and with necessary pollution control devices are allowed under the Rules. The operating and emission standards for incinerators have also been prescribed as a part of these Rules.

Incinerators, if not designed and operated in a scientific manner, may emit highly toxic chemicals such as dioxins and furans.

No comprehensive study has been carried out to inventorise emission of dioxins and furans.

This information was given by the Minister for Environment and Forests, Shri T.R. Baalu, in reply to a question from the Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri B.K. Parthasarathi in Lok Sabha today.