The Environmental Protection Agency yesterday published a proposed rule revising emission standards for hospital, medical and infectious waste incinerators. The proposed standards would require all 57 such incinerators in operation to reduce their emissions, according to an EPA "fact sheet." The agency estimates the nationwide cost to comply with the proposed changes at $21.1 million annually, compared with $10.6 million for available disposal alternatives. It will accept comments on the proposed rule through Feb. 17. In addition, the agency is accepting comments through Feb. 2 on a proposed rule for hazardous pharmaceutical wastes, which applies to pharmacies, hospitals and other health care facilities. The rule would classify hazardous pharmaceutical waste as universal waste, a category which currently includes batteries, mercury-containing equipment, lamps and pesticides. The AHA and its American Society for Healthcare Engineering and American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services affiliates are reviewing both rules and plan to submit comments.