Can We Solve Healthcare’s Plastic Challenge?

Plastic has revolutionized medicine, yet increasing evidence suggests it poses significant health risks. While plastic manufacturing is responsible for about 5% of global carbon emissions and contributes to severe pollution, its ubiquity in healthcare remains undeniable. Hospitals and clinics rely heavily on plastic for various medical supplies, from PPE and syringes to IV bags and surgical instrument wrappers. This reliance stems from plastic's beneficial properties—its lightness, durability, and sterility—which ostensibly enhance patient safety.

However, new research reveals that microplastics and other harmful plastic additives may enter our bodies through food, water, and air, with the average person potentially consuming around 50,000 microplastic particles annually. The health impacts of these substances, particularly those prevalent in medical products, are still being studied. Some animal studies have linked plastics to reduced fertility, obesity, and specific cancers, raising concerns about widely used materials like polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the phthalates that make it flexible. Despite evidence urging a phase-out of phthalates from medical devices, PVC remains globally dominant in healthcare.

Efforts to reduce reliance on unnecessary plastics in healthcare are gaining traction. Experts suggest reevaluating the necessity of certain consumables, especially those not directly linked to patient care, such as office products and food delivery materials. Many non-critical items, like basins and containers, can be redesigned to minimize or eliminate single-use plastics. The return to laundered, reusable garments could replace disposable gowns, and using cleanable cases for surgical instrument sterilization could further reduce waste.

Addressing the ingrained perception that single-use products are more sanitary than reusable options is crucial. Medical waste, often stigmatized as hazardous, is misleading; the World Health Organization states that only 15% of healthcare waste is genuinely hazardous. Innovations, like Aruna Revolution’s compostable menstrual pads made from agricultural waste and Synoro Med’s reusable IV bags, challenge traditional views on hygiene and sustainability. These initiatives emphasize the feasibility and safety of reusing medical products.

On the policy front, the U.N. General Assembly has initiated discussions on a treaty to combat plastic pollution, including a contentious exemption for healthcare. While talks face delays, numerous healthcare providers are implementing grassroots changes. For instance, Saint-Jérôme Hospital in Quebec has adopted a microwave technology to sterilize and reduce medical waste, while St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal recycles plastic packaging and promotes judicious use of resources among staff.

The ongoing challenge is to harmonize the perceived need for convenience and low costs of plastic with emerging evidence of its health risks. Medical professionals are encouraged to explore ways to minimize plastic usage without compromising patient care, supporting innovations that align with sustainability goals. Ultimately, the aim is to create a more responsible healthcare sector that prioritizes human health and environmental safety.

As awareness continues to grow, the conversation about how best to mitigate plastic's impact on health and the environment is more critical than ever, with innovative solutions paving the way for a healthier future.