White House holds meeting on Ebola-related waste

The White House National Security Council today held a meeting with health care and environmental stakeholders to address challenges with Ebola-related waste management and disposal. Discussion items included sharing the science-risk of managing waste from Ebola patients; risks during handling, treatment, packing, transportation and disposal; and the challenges facing state and local officials, hospitals and workers. The group will continue to work on solutions and preparedness. Participants included the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Environmental Protection Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, medical waste vendors, and representatives from state government, hospitals and labor, among others. Patti Costello, executive director of the AHA’s Association for the Healthcare Environment, attended the meeting.