What is the relevance of the ISO-11143 standard in waste management?

The ISO 11143 standard is specifically designed to address the use of dental amalgam separators. These devices are crucial in managing the discharge of mercury from dental practices, which is a significant environmental concern. The standard provides criteria and guidelines for the effective performance of these separators, ensuring that they adequately capture dental amalgam waste before it is released into wastewater systems.

This focus on dental amalgam is important because amalgam is a mixture that contains about 50% mercury, a heavy metal known for its toxic effects on human health and the environment. By implementing the ISO 11143 standard, dental facilities can significantly reduce the amount of mercury entering the waste stream, contributing to overall better waste management practices.

The relevance of this standard in waste management is tied to its role in preventing pollution and promoting public health by ensuring that dental practices handle amalgam waste responsibly. Other options relate to different waste management areas that do not specifically address the objectives of ISO 11143 regarding dental amalgam.