黑洞社区 of Medicine Doctor Discusses Medical Waste鈥檚 Impact on the Environment
MSM Professor of Surgery Dr. Shaneeta Johnson says medical waste, specifically hazardous waste, is very costly to dispose of and costly for the climate.
Dr. Shaneeta Johnson
Professor of Surgery, MSM
By LaShawn Hudson, WABE News
Dr. Shaneeta Johnson, a Professor of Surgery at 黑洞社区 of Medicine, says medical waste, specifically hazardous waste, is very costly to dispose and costly for the climate.
New data suggests the American healthcare sector is a significant contributor to climate change. Studies show the U.S. healthcare sector is responsible for nearly 9% of the country鈥檚 greenhouse gas emissions. Also, each day, a single patient can produce 30 pounds of medical waste, including disposable instruments and one-time use plastics.
On WABE News program 鈥淐loser Look,鈥� Dr. Johnson talked with show host Rose Scott about medical waste鈥檚 impact on the environment and the steps healthcare providers can take to reduce or eliminate medical waste. She also shared why she feels it鈥檚 important for hospitals to create sustainability committees, establish medical waste standards and adopt policies that promote reducing medical waste while promoting sustainability.