**6. Management of chemical pharmaceutical waste**

Chemical waste can be produced from increased laboratory testing. In managing chemical waste it is important to consider the risks associated with the chemicals which should be informed by the risk assessments. The chemical incompatibilities of the different chemicals involved together with their anticipated volumes to be produced. It might be necessary to have specific storage spaces for the chemical waste being produced. In most infectious disease outbreaks use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm infections can lead to increased production of dangerous chemicals like ethidium bromide. However, the use of the chemical in medical laboratories is decreasing due to its mutagenic nature. Use of mercury-based measuring instruments can also lead to mercury waste which is dangerous. The impending ban on use of based thermometers and sphygmomanometers will great reduce the risk of having mercury as hazardous chemical waste in healthcare settings.

Pharmaceutical waste includes expired drugs, contaminated pharmaceutical products, drugs, vaccines and sera that is no longer needed. Items used in the handling of pharmaceuticals is also included in this class of waste and includes bottles gloves, masks, vials, and tubing contaminated with pharmaceutical residues.
