Question:medium

What is the disposal process of expired cytotoxic drugs?

Show Hint

Cytotoxic drug waste is hazardous and should be disposed of safely by incineration.
  • Flushing in drain
  • Municipal garbage
  • Incineration
  • Recycling
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Cytotoxic drugs (anti-cancer drugs) are highly toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic. They cannot be treated as regular medical waste.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Incineration: This involves burning the waste at extremely high temperatures (usually above 1200 \(^\circ\)C). This high heat is necessary to completely break down the complex chemical structures of the cytotoxic agents into non-toxic gases and ash.
2. Regulatory Requirement: Under Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules, cytotoxic drugs must be collected in yellow bags/containers marked "Cytotoxic" and sent for high-temperature incineration.
3. Dangers of Others: Flushing (Option A) contaminates water systems. Municipal garbage (Option B) exposes sanitation workers and the environment to severe toxins.
Step 3: Final Answer:
High-temperature incineration is the only safe and legally approved method for the complete destruction of hazardous cytotoxic waste.
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