Plastic dependency? Debunking myths in the healthcare industry
Disinformation and the ongoing concerns of greenwashing continues to present as a key barrier to transitioning to greener and more sustainable ways of living. This is certainly true of the plastics industry.
Plastic use in healthcare is undoubtedly widespread and we’re often led to believe that plastic is the only solution. We all know that plastics are bad for the environment, but could this widespread application also be contributing to ill-health? Initiatives that promote the message “Plastics Saves Lives” is a narrative that, unsurprisingly, is driven by companies who profit from plastic production. These companies have played a key role in ensuring widespread plastic use, as well as controlling public perception of plastic.
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The reality is that plastics are often used unnecessarily, even though better alternatives are available. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used in 26% of medical devices globally, is known to leach toxic plasticisers during medical treatments, including diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP).
Notably, it has been documented by The European Commission that DEHP poses significant risk for infants and unborn children, with babies in neonatal intensive care units likely exposed to unsafe levels of DEHP. Moreover, for something as simple as a plastic glove, research suggests they are used needlessly in 62% of cases, and lead to the spread of infection with improper use. The Royal College of Nursing indicates that handwashing is often the most effective method at preventing the spread of infection for core nursing activities.
Organisations such as the Alliance for Action on Climate Change and Health (ATACH) continue to advocate for alternatives, whilst raising awareness of the adverse health impacts.
Of course, in some instances, plastic-free may not always be suitable, but when better, safer alternatives do exist, it is important to consider what’s stopping us.
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For more information contact: info@scarabtrust.org.uk
Images:
Surgery, Operation, Hospital - Image from Pixabay (ST ref: 1420)
shelves of syringes - Image by Wirestock on Magnific (ST ref: 1419)
ID 250235-F1
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