Which of the following is NOT a method of treating infectious waste?

The correct answer identifies biological inactivation as not typically considered a method of treating infectious waste. Treatment methods for infectious waste focus on the effective elimination or reduction of pathogens to prevent the spread of infection and protect public health.

Chemical disinfection involves using chemical agents to destroy pathogens on surfaces or in waste materials. This method is well established in managing infectious waste as it can effectively reduce the microbial load.

Thermal inactivation entails using high temperatures to kill or inactivate pathogens within waste. This includes processes such as incineration or autoclaving, both effective in sterilizing waste by destroying harmful organisms.

Irradiation is another recognized treatment method that uses radiation to sanitize waste by damaging the microorganisms’ DNA, rendering them unable to multiply or cause infection.

Biological inactivation, however, can be misunderstood in this context. While biological processes may play a role in waste breakdown (like composting), they are not primarily used to treat infectious waste in a manner that ensures complete pathogen elimination, which is critical for public health. Thus, it does not fit within the commonly accepted methods of treating infectious waste.