Special waste in dental settings often includes which of the following materials?

In dental settings, special waste refers to materials that require specific handling and disposal due to their potential hazards to health and the environment. Lead foils, which are used in dental radiography and found in X-ray film packaging, contain lead, a toxic heavy metal. As a result, they are classified as special waste and necessitate careful disposal to prevent environmental contamination and health risks.

The other materials listed—paper towels, plastic bottles, and food wrappers—are generally categorized as ordinary waste. They do not pose the same level of environmental or health risks as lead foils. Proper disposal of these everyday items typically follows standard waste management procedures rather than the selective processes required for special waste. Thus, recognizing lead foils as special waste underscores the importance of safe disposal practices in dental environments.