Toxic-free healthcare

Medical devices play a critical role in the delivery of care. They may, however, contain hazardous substances in their composition that can leach into patients during use and compromise patient safety. For example, medical devices may contain endocrine disrupting chemicals such as DEHP and BPA, which can impact both human health and the environment.

Concerns regarding hazardous chemical exposure through medical devices are particularly relevant to vulnerable patients that undergo multiple medical interventions or are exposed chronically over extended periods, including infants in neonatal care or dialysis patients.

In this session we will explore ways through which the use of hazardous chemicals in medical devices can be reduced. Firstly, we will hear an example of exposure to hazardous chemicals in the neonatal intensive care unit and its effects on health. We will then explore how hazardous chemicals in medical devices in medical devices can be reduced through procurement.