Contributions of Medical Greenhouse Gases to Climate Change and Their Possible Alternatives
2024

Medical Greenhouse Gases and Climate Change

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Wang Joyce, DasSarma Shiladitya

Primary Institution: University of Maryland

Hypothesis

What are the contributions of medical greenhouse gases to climate change and what alternatives exist?

Conclusion

The review highlights the significant impact of medical greenhouse gases on climate change and discusses potential alternatives to reduce emissions.

Supporting Evidence

  • Medical greenhouse gases contribute significantly to climate change.
  • Desflurane and nitrous oxide are major contributors to healthcare-related greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Alternatives to high-GWP gases exist and can reduce emissions while maintaining patient care.

Takeaway

Doctors use gases that can harm the environment, but there are better options that can help keep patients safe while being kinder to the planet.

Methodology

The review involved a literature search on medical greenhouse gases and calculated estimates of their emissions and global warming potential.

Limitations

The review does not provide specific data on the emissions from all medical gases used.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ijerph21121548

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