Greening Hospitals to Heal the Sick
Do we go to hospitals to get sick? It can seem that way. Aside from being the best place to come in contact with a full range of germs, most hospitals have been built with PVC flooring, conventional paint and other toxic products that leach carcinogens and pollutants into the air. Plus, the harsh cleaning chemicals used in hospitals (strong detergents like ammonia and chlorine) have been linked to respiratory disease with sufficient exposure. In fact, studies suggest that nurses have a high rate of occupationally-related asthma because of this constant exposure.
So what’s a hospital to do? Over the years, some steps have been taken. Thermometers and other measuring devices containing mercury have been replaced by safe alternatives. The number of waste incinerators (which put cancer-causing dioxins into the air) has been sharply reduced in the past decade. And hospitals are being urged to replace PVC flooring with natural rubber (which, by the way, cuts down on noise and reduces slips and falls). Many hospitals are even looking into greener – but still strong and effective – cleaning supplies. This has the nice subsequent effect of lowering their supply bills. Health care CEO’s are taking note.
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3 Comments
December 26th, 2008 at 10:48 am
This is an important issue and I’m glad to see hospitals are beginning to take steps to green up. Thanks, Sarah.
December 26th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
I agree, this is definitely an important issue and a concern of many people who go into hospitals. I know it’s a concern of mine, esp with two kids.
And I know, from personal experience, some of the cleaning agents they use are very strong and potent and wreak havoc on your nose and throat. Not exactly what you want to experience when in the hospital.
December 26th, 2008 at 5:15 pm
Definitely.
Hospitals are amongst those places where the End is so important that any Means seem justified – ie. the use of vile cocktails of chemicals that are guaranteed to kill living bacteria, including the healthy kind in and on our bodies that keep us in good health.
They also have materials supplied in bulk – and bulk usually means cheapest and least discerningly sourced. Hospitals may green up their act, but will their suppliers?
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