An observational cross-sectional study of pharmaceutical waste disposal practices in Australian medical imaging departments: A comparison of community versus hospital practice

Abstract

Introduction: Pharmaceuticals are used widely in radiography practice but pose an environmental risk. This study explored Australian radiographers' environmental attitude, pharmaceutical waste disposal practices, and knowledge and concern regarding the environmental impact of these pharmaceuticals.

Methods: This study utilised an anonymous, online questionnaire developed from two validated questionnaires. Participants (n = 150) held current registration with the Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia and were working eight or more hours per week in a medical imaging practice (public or private).

Results: Participants did not answer all questions, hence percentages reported reflect the number of counts for each question. Most participants (71.4%; 105/147) disposed of contaminated pharmaceutical waste in clinical waste bins with 17.1% (15/146) disposing of it down drains. More hospital radiographers 13.54% (13/96) reported this disposal compared with 2.08% (1/48) of community-based radiographers (Fisher's Exact Test, p = 0.035). There was no difference in disposal of non-contaminated waste between practice settings - general waste bin (68.5%; 100/150), recycling bin (28.8%; 42/146), and clinical waste bin (41.8%; 61/146). Participants lacked knowledge of impacts on the food chain and the health of humans and wildlife. Only 34.7% (48/138) of participants expressed concern regarding the impacts of human excreted pharmaceuticals on the environment compared with 65.8% (98/149) regarding impacts from incorrect disposal. Many (18.4%; 25/136) reported having received no information on correct disposal of pharmaceutical waste.

Conclusion: This study highlighted participants' lack of knowledge on how pharmaceuticals enter the natural environment and the subsequent impacts on the environment and on the health of humans, and flora and fauna. They lacked knowledge of correct pharmaceutical waste disposal methods, but most agreed it was their professional responsibility to dispose of waste correctly.

Implications for practice: Improving radiographers' pharmaceutical waste disposal practices through education and professional support will reduce environmental impacts and also provide financial co-benefits if non-contaminated waste is recycled where possible and not incinerated.

Keywords: Contrast media; Environment; Professional role; Radiography; Radiopharmaceuticals; Waste disposal.