Environmental Health News

Leading Hospitals Challenge Sector to Improve Health, Reduce Costs

Excerpt: "The Healthier Hospitals Initiative launches the HHI Challenge, an effort to recruite 2000 hospitals to sign up to develop sustainable operations in the fields of Leadership, Waste Reduction, Healthier Food, Chemical Reduction, Environmentally Preferred Purchasing and Leaner Energy."  more 

The Greening of Medicine

Excerpt: "The depth of the climate crisis has finally forced the spotlight of mainstream environmental scrutiny on medicine, quickly diagnosing the need to dramatically cut healthcare’s unhealthy carbon footprint. Ray Moynihan explores early preparations for a low carbon health system."  more 

APHA Approves Policy on PVC in Facilities with Vulnerable Populations

Excerpt: "Summary"  more 

The Economic Affliction of Asthma and Risks of Blocking Air Pollution Safeguards

Excerpt: "In a major first-ever report analyzing detailed asthma incidence and cost data, HCWH, ANHE and NASN conclude that the already staggering human and financial toll of asthma in the U.S. is likely to increase if Congress acts to stop important updates to the Clean Air Act."  more 

Making a Dent in Medical Waste

Excerpt: "New York Times article providing an overview of reprocessing as a strategy to reduce medical waste. "  more 

Phthalates Raising Concerns

Excerpt: "Chemical additives found in everything from nail polish to shower curtains to window blinds may be linked to various health problems. As The Graduate once predicted, plastics have become ubiquitous. Unfortunately a common chemical additive of this now-indispensable material, called phthalates, is raising some concerns."  more 

Hospitals Adding Fresh, Organic Food to the Menu

Excerpt: "More hospitals in the U.S. are offering organic produce and hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and dairy foods in response to a trend toward healthier eating habits. Spurred by patient demand, concerns about setting a healthful example and a desire to make notoriously bad hospital food nutritious and appetizing, more hospitals are making strides in serving their patients fresh, organic and local produce alongside meats and dairy foods that are hormone- and antibiotic-free, as well as minimally processed."  more 

Revised GGHC Operations Section Released

Excerpt: "The most significant revision to the Green Guide for Health Care Version 2.2 Operations section to date has been released, marking the completion of a rigorous development process including two public comment periods."  more