Health Care Without Harm

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Vote undermines EU future as healthy, recycling society: In the 21st Century, incinerators still pose considerable risks to human health. Unfortunately, the EU Parliament ENVI Committee has voted in favour of proposals which we think will result in more waste being burned rather than recycled. See our press release and factsheet for more information. 8 April 08

Silver in healthcare: panacea or problem? See the latest issue of our newsletter for this and other news items and case studies about environmental issues in healthcare.

EU Parliament committee stays strong on mercury export ban: The EU parliament ENVI committee supported proposals to include mercury compounds and products in the mercury export ban. If later in the process the Council agrees with ENVI Committee’s position, the EU will do a lot to reduce mercury pollution worldwide. See the press release here. 27 Mar 08

New EU report on safety of phthalates inadequate. The SCENIHR Committee published its final report on DEHP and alternatives, but their findings are so watered-down that the report is fundamentally out-of-step with the policies of many hospitals. See our press release in Medical News Today. 19 Mar 08

New report: Fresh, local and organic. A successful recipe for improving Europe’s hospital food. We present case studies on successful organic and local food procurement in Europe. We describe economic, health and social benefits of sustainable food sourcing to inspire other hospitals to start similar projects. Read the report (pdf, 1.5MB). 30 Jan 08

EU Scientific Opinion on safety of medical devices containing DEHP not balanced, we comment: The SCENIHR Committee finally recognised that DEHP in medical devices is a concern. However, we believe the Opinion is biased against PVC-free medical devices in favour of devices softened with phthalates. More information in our comments (PDF, 70kb). 26 Nov 07

Do suppliers know what they are selling? Recent research by Karolinska University Hospital (Sweden) into fire-retardants in the products on its premises found that suppliers were unable to provide reliable information about the chemicals used in what they sell. The report is available for download and summarised in our newsletter. 16 Oct 07

EU Scientists finally recognise phthalate toxicity: After months of delay, EU Scientific Committee reports that male babies are at risk from DEHP exposure during numerous medical procedures. Unfortunately, they fail to evaluate PVC-free alternatives. Read the press release. 15 Oct 07

Groundbreaking procurement resource now in English: HCWH has translated a groundbreaking Austrian guide to green procurement in English. Rather than promote the benefits of green procurement, this guide gives practical information which hospitals can use. It includes product specifications, sample contracts and questionnaires for procuring environmentally-preferable goods and services. Download page here. 11 Oct 07

The production of the European section of this website was supported by a grant from the European Commission. Responsibility for the views expressed herein lies solely with the author. The Commission is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained in this website

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of 473 organizations in more than 50 countries, working to transform the health care sector so it is no longer a source of harm to people and the environment.