Reports and Publications

Scientific Evidence of Health Effects from Coal Use in Energy Generation

The pollutants generated from coal combustion have profound effects on the health of local communities but can also travel long distances, affecting communities remote from power plants. A new scientific review documenting the evidence of the health impacts from coal use in energy generation has been released by researchers from the School of Public Health at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). This scientific literature review is a new initiative of the Health Care Research Collaborative based at UIC and carried out in conjunction with Health Care Without Harm, and is part of a project to evaluate the health impacts and healthcare costs of energy generation choices across a number of countries. more 

Mercury Treaty and Medical Devices: Fact Sheet

As regional meetings begin in preparation for the final negotiating session of the global mercury treaty in January, HCWH has produced a fact sheet that makes the case for a treaty that mandates a rapid global phase-out of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices. more 

Mercury in Dental Amalgam and Resin-Based Alternatives: A Comparative Health Risk Evaluation

Based on current evidence,the ultimate goal of a phase-out of virtually all usage of dental mercury is recommended. This phase-out must be planned and deliberate, assuring continued emphasis on adequate restorations to prevent continued tooth decay and the potential of malnutrition in economically impoverished areas. more 

WHO-HCWH Mercury-Free Update for INC3

WHO and HCWH have produced an update on the Global Mercury-Free Healthcare Initiative that charts progress toward the goal of virtual elimination and substitution of mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices around the world by 2017. more 

Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda

The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Agenda sets out to support existing efforts around the world to promote greater sustainability and environmental health in the health sector, and thereby to strengthen health systems globally. more 

Medical Waste and Human Rights

HCWH released its own report on medical waste and human rights, which HCWH staff, with the assistance of network members and waste management experts across Africa, South Asia and Latin America, assembled. more 

WHO Releases Technical Guidance on Substituting Mercury Thermometers and Sphygmomanometers

WHO has issued a Technical Guidance Document for the safe substitution of non-mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers in health-care settings. more 

Mercury Elimination Guides for Hospitals

In order to scale-up the replacement of mercury–based medical devices around the world, HCWH has put together a guide that systematizes the basic steps in mercury substitution. more 

Manila 2011 Declaration for Mercury Free Health Care

On March 15, in Manila, Philippines, HCWH, WHO and the UNDP GEF Global Health Care Waste Project co-organized a regional event to support the development of mercury-free health care in Asia. more 

Update on the Activities of the WHO-HCWH Global Mercury-free Healthcare Initiative for INC2

WHO and HCWH prepared an update on the activities of the WHO-HCWH Global Mercury-free Healthcare Initiative, for the second session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on Mercury (INC2). more 

Non-Incineration Medical Waste Treatment Pilot Project at Bagamoyo District Hospital, Tanzania

Health Care Without Harm and partners released a report showing how steam-based disinfection was used in an Tanzanian hospital to treat medical waste rather than incinerating it. more 

UNDP GEF Global Health Care Waste Project: Guidance Document on Cleanup, Storage, and Transport of Mercury Waste in Healthcare Facilities

The UNDP GEF Global Health Care Waste Project has issued a Guidance Document on the Cleanup, Temporary or Intermediate Storage, and Transport of Mercury Waste from Healthcare Facilities. As health facilities phase out mercury devices, proper methods of storage and transport are needed. more 

Mercury-Free Health Care – Toward the Tipping Point

Health Care Without Harm and the World Health Organization have issued a two-year progress report on their global Mercury-Free Health Care Initiative. more 

Healthy Hospitals, Healthy Planet, Healthy People: Addressing Climate Change in Health Care Settings

(Discussion Draft) This 32-page discussion draft produced by the World Health Organization and Health Care Without Harm says that the healthcare sector can lead the way against climate change. This report shows how the health sector can improve reduce its climate footprint while setting forth a number of opportunties for action for health care professionals, hospitals, health systems, ministries of health and intergovernmental negotiations. more 

End of an Era: The Phase-out of Mercury-Based Blood Pressure Measurement Devices

(Discussion Draft) This 32-page discussion draft produced by the World Health Organization and Health Care Without Harm says that the healthcare sector can lead the way against climate change. A radical overhaul of energy consumption in healthcare must take place if Europe is to meet a target of an 80% cut in carbon emissions by 2050. A new report by HCWH and the World Health Organization shows how the health sector can improve energy efficiency and adopt greener approaches to its services. more