Safety

EPA relaxes waste restrictions on epinephrine salt

OSHA Healthcare Connection, October 23, 2007

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In an opinion posted last week, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that epinephrine salts are not covered under the Resources Conservation and Recovery Act.

Epinephrine has been at the center of a debate over whether it truly qualifies as a so-called "P-listed" hazardous waste, a designation which brings with it reporting and training requirements.

"Any chemical or formulation where epinephrine salt is the sole active ingredient is not a [P-listed] hazardous waste when discarded," the EPA said.

Epinephrine, which is frequently found in healthcare facilities, is used to treat anaphylaxis and sepsis. Epinephrine-base solutions, which are more concentrated than salts, still qualify as P-listed waste, according to the EPA.



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