One suggestion was to include environmental markers in the health services accreditation process. The coalition groups, including the Canadian Nurses Association , the Canadian Institute of Child Health , Pollution Probe , and others, want to boost awareness among all health care workers, suppliers, service providers and the public about environmental issues in health care. Ultimately, the coalition s aim is to ensure that every action in health care facilities is environmentally sensitive. First, however, the groups' representatives will get approval from their boards to participate in the coalition.
Boilers spew out carbon dioxide, while incinerators contribute chemicals.
Biomedical hazardous waste includes chemicals and pharmaceuticals, such as cytotoxic drugs used in cancer treatments. According to the World Health Organization , developed countries generate up to 6 kg of hazardous waste per hospitalized person per year. In addition, health care workers work with hazardous materials such as radioactive and organic solvents daily. And on a global level, these facilities contribution to persistent organic pollutants and depletion of resources. But pollution prevention can save money by lowering waste disposal costs for and improving energy efficiency.