University installs sharps bins in toilets

The University of Iowa is to install needle-deposit bins in restrooms across its campus.

Facilities Management will now foot the $9,000 bill for purchasing and installing the containers. Though dressing this up as a facility for insulin-dependent diabetics, the numbers simply don’t stack up. There just aren’t that many diabetics attending the University and though they presumably choose not to talk of such matters this must be in response to a substantial problem of drug abuse.

Facilities Management officials estimated they would install receptacles in more than 75 campus buildings. Buildings with more than 20 restrooms will receive four containers and buildings with fewer than 20 restrooms will receive two containers, totaling 200 bins across campus.

http://www.dailyiowan.com/2011/05/11/Metro/23472.html

The reality must be the injection of drugs of abuse, narcotics or perhaps steroids and other growth promoters for all those pumped up young Iowan students. The sharps containers will be useful also to the few insulin-dependent diabetics who are not yet using insulin pens.

Though drug abuse, or misuse if you prefer, is a problem in its own right, dealing with this is an immense problem for which there is no easy solution. Wherever it happens, needlestick injuries will be a substantial risk unless disposal facilities are provided.

The University of Iowa might be criticised for its apparent drug problem, and may be challenged for the spin it puts on the installation of so many sharps bins though deserves praise for its enlightened approach to sharps safety.

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