Vulnerability of health waste generators in the light of Conama 358 and Anvisa RDC 306 Resolutions

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.200630.4.8

Abstract

In Brazil, the question of health waste was highlighted after promulgation of resolution n. 358 Conama - National Council for the
Environment and n. 306 Anvisa – National Agency for Sanitary Control at the federal level, which attributed the responsibility for collection,
transport, treatment services and end destination to the generators of so-called contaminated health waste. This responsibility triggered much
discussion and questioning throughout the country, because the service was carried out by the state without large expenses for generators. The
resolutions made many companies specialized in this service to enter in the market. In this context, the generators vulnerability was observed in
the face of the power of the resolutions and the service companies. Thus, this study analyzed the vulnerability of generators and reported the
mobilization of several healthcare professional categories in Londrina City to comply with legislation and get out of the vulnerability position. A
Civil Society Organization of Public Interest – Oscip – was formed that will manage the questions of health waste. A further company was hired
to solve urgent issues, another Oscip, that will carry out the collection, treatment and end destiny of waste. In parallel, environmental education
actions were undertaken to decrease waste generation. Thus, it was concluded that mobilization of the categories of the healthcare sector was
productive for solving a conflict and vulnerability situation, where social factors and environmental education were key words.