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Safely Handling "Sharps" found in public

Syringes on the ground

Safely Handling "Sharps" Found in Public (Brochure)


What should I do if I find a needle, syringe or other sharp in public – such as a park or parking lot?


Please do not retrieve them yourself. Kitsap Public Health has trained staff to handle discarded sharps. Please call us at (360) 728-2235 or use our online reporting form on our website to report the location. Please provide a detailed location of the item and provide your name and phone number so we can contact you if we need further detail. If possible, place something highly visible next to the sharp to make it easier for the inspector to see it.

What do you mean when you say "sharps"?


The term "sharps" is used to refer to any device that is intended to puncture or cut the skin. This includes syringes with needles attached, scalpels, lancets used in diabetes testing, and intravenous tubing with needles attached, whether they have been used or not.

Why should I be concerned about sharps?


Sharps are physical and biological hazards. People may be injured by being stuck or cut by them. They may also transmit blood-borne viruses, such as hepatitis or HIV, since they often have come into contact with another person's blood.

Are sharps always from illicit drug use?


No. Many health conditions and therapies require a patient to make use of sharps to test his or her blood or inject medication or vitamins. Regardless of the source, sharps are dangerous. We want to prevent unintentional needle-sticks.

Questions?


Call us at (360) 728-2235.


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