From: ian blenkharn@ianblenkharn.com
Category: Miscellaneous
Date: 25 Aug 2008
Time: 11:47:57 +0200
Remote Name: 86.146.8.18
"TOSSING OUT everything from plastic bandages and cotton swabs to hospital robes after a single use, the US medical industry generates more than two million tonnes of waste per year, environmental advocates say.
"Some of that waste makes its way to incinerators and, when burned, releases dioxin, mercury and other toxins.
"Is it ironic that the industry which is charged with protecting health is releasing substances that may be tied to cancer, diabetes and other illnesses? Many healthcare professionals think so.
[more]
Of course, with comments like that it is not surprising that the pressure group Healthcare Without Harm are associated with this. But it is nonetheless an entirely true sentiment. And with regard to our own area of interest, it is long overdue that the comparative carbon footprint of the various waste disposal and treatment options are critically and independently compared.
Incinerators, microwaves, disinfectors, autoclaves etc each have their place, though prejudice sometimes clouds that view. Commercial drivers are real and important, as are the economies of scale though these will entail additional transport costs.
A mixed mode disposal capacity is almost certainly the optimum configuration, with local, regional and supra-regional disposal facilities located close to areas of maximum need. The information that such a study would provide would clarify planning and regulation, replacing guesswork, ideology and prejudice. I have proposed such studies on previous occasions.
They are now seriously overdue.