Annual emissions of anthropogenic Hg to the atmosphere in different regions of the world during the last decade show an interesting dichotomy: the emissions in the developed countries increased at the rate of about 4.5–5.5% yr−1 up to 1989 and have since remained nearly constant, while in developing countries the emissions continue to rise steadily at the rate of 2.7–4.5% yr−1. On a global basis, however, the total anthropogenic emissions of Hg increased by about 4% yr−1 during the 1980s, peaked in 1989 at about 2290 t and are currently decreasing at the rate of about 1.3% yr−1.

A recent move by the Mumbai-based King Edward Memorial Hospital to ban the reuse of disposable surgical items, following a consumer court directive. has served to create a flutter in various circles.

Delhi"s hospitals: waist-deep in refuse Hospital Wastes managed by Segregation Incinerator Amount of wastes picked up by ragpickers

Every day, the country's numerous hospitals and medical facilities churn out millions of tonnes of waste. An alarming percentage of this waste lies in the open, like festering sores on civilisation's body, as breeding grounds of lethal virulences and