This paper indicates that the performance of tack-back and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) system can be improved substantially. This can be reached by better taking into account in a better way the big vari...This paper indicates that the performance of tack-back and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) system can be improved substantially. This can be reached by better taking into account in a better way the big variety in material composition and potential toxicity of electrical and electronic products - from a technical, organizational and regulatory perspective. Realizing that there is no 'one size fit for all' and combining smart tailor made solutions with economic of sale will result in the best environmental gain/cost ratio. Several examples show how science and engineering have supported or will support this approach.展开更多
<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background</strong></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-fami...<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background</strong></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Inappropriate disposal practices of medicinal products by households can harm nature. Alternatively, passing unused medications to friends and family members can have undesirable consequences as the quality of the product is in question.</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Objective</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate the disposal and recycling practices of medicinal products by households in Saudi Arabia. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods</span></b></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A cross-sectional questionnaire designed to investigate disposal and recycling practices aimed at households in Saudi Arabia. Phone interviews were conducted with healthcare providers from hospitals and community pharmacies as well as medical charity representatives. A thorough search (Jun-September 2020) for disposal and recycling policies was performed on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Health websites.</span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Results</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> More than 900 participants were included in this study. Approximately 40% of respondents claimed to follow the SFDA recommendations for </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">disposal of unwanted medications in the wastebasket, whilst </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">≥</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6% preferred disposal via the toilet. On the other hand, 10% and 5% of households donated their unwanted over-the-counter and prescription</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">only medication products, respectively, to a person in need, without referring to healthcare professionals. Interviews with healthcare providers and medical charities revealed no drug take-back programs were currently available for households. The SFDA website provides a brief guide on</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> disposal of unwanted or expired medication.</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusions</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The absence of a clear drug disposal policy for households has created a gap allowing incorrect disposal practices that may lead to harming patients and/or the environment. The launching of drug take-back programs may lead to the provision of a clear consensus of governing bodies and healthcare providers on patient guidance for a safe drug disposal policy.</span>展开更多
文摘This paper indicates that the performance of tack-back and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) system can be improved substantially. This can be reached by better taking into account in a better way the big variety in material composition and potential toxicity of electrical and electronic products - from a technical, organizational and regulatory perspective. Realizing that there is no 'one size fit for all' and combining smart tailor made solutions with economic of sale will result in the best environmental gain/cost ratio. Several examples show how science and engineering have supported or will support this approach.
文摘<span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Background</strong></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Inappropriate disposal practices of medicinal products by households can harm nature. Alternatively, passing unused medications to friends and family members can have undesirable consequences as the quality of the product is in question.</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Objective</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> To investigate the disposal and recycling practices of medicinal products by households in Saudi Arabia. </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Methods</span></b></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> A cross-sectional questionnaire designed to investigate disposal and recycling practices aimed at households in Saudi Arabia. Phone interviews were conducted with healthcare providers from hospitals and community pharmacies as well as medical charity representatives. A thorough search (Jun-September 2020) for disposal and recycling policies was performed on the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Ministry of Health websites.</span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> Results</span></b></span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> More than 900 participants were included in this study. Approximately 40% of respondents claimed to follow the SFDA recommendations for </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">the </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">disposal of unwanted medications in the wastebasket, whilst </span><span style="font-family:""><span style="font-family:Verdana;">≥</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">6% preferred disposal via the toilet. On the other hand, 10% and 5% of households donated their unwanted over-the-counter and prescription</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">-</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">only medication products, respectively, to a person in need, without referring to healthcare professionals. Interviews with healthcare providers and medical charities revealed no drug take-back programs were currently available for households. The SFDA website provides a brief guide on</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> the</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> disposal of unwanted or expired medication.</span><span style="font-family:""> </span><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Conclusions</span></b><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">:</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> The absence of a clear drug disposal policy for households has created a gap allowing incorrect disposal practices that may lead to harming patients and/or the environment. The launching of drug take-back programs may lead to the provision of a clear consensus of governing bodies and healthcare providers on patient guidance for a safe drug disposal policy.</span>