Solar Syringe Melter
Mention solar power, and everyone thanks of electricity. The solar syringe melter is a practical application for a big problem.
Solar Syringe Melter
Reusing syringes that have not been sterilized is a major cause of the spread of infectious disease. Estimates are that over fifteen million people became infected with hepatitis B throughout the world because of the reuse of needles. Over four million people have become infected with hepatitis C. An estimated one hundred thousand new HIV infections are caused by these syringes. It is not only drug users who are being infected. Improper disposal of needles and syringes causes doctors and other health care professionals to become infected as well. Waste management teams are also at risk, as well as the general population who might come in contact with an infected syringe.
There are several ways of dealing with these syringes. In many areas, professionals lack the funding to provide safe and efficient ways of dealing with this problem. There are also issues to deal with such as a lack of steady electricity in some areas. In these areas, solutions such as burying the syringes or incinerating them in small pits are options. These are not always completely successful though, and only deal with the problem on one level.
One solution that has shown to be quite successful in dealing with this problem is a solar syringe melter. These melting ovens are made up of large reflectors which direct sunlight onto a special oven. The syringe melters can generate quite a large amount of heat. The advantage of these syringe melters is that they are extremely effective, while being cost-efficient. This is especially important in countries that often have to settle for less safe methods because of the lack of funding to dispose of syringes properly.
The solar syringe melter works in several ways. First, it sterilizes the needle itself by subjecting it to high temperatures. Then, it melts the body of the syringe. This makes it so the syringe can not be reused. It then melts a polypropylene substance around the needles so that the needle can not accidentally stick someone. The high level of heat makes the resulting plastic blocks safe to be handled.
This innovative way of dealing with used syringes can make a huge difference in the level of new infections and the safety of those who deal with these products. The leading experts believe that consistent, safe disposal of contaminated needles and syringes could lead to a decrease in the amount of new cases of hepatitis, HIV and other infectious diseases.
