by Barbara Sattler, DrPH, RN

Expiration Date: December 31, 2008. No CE contact hours (CH) will be given after this date.

Abstract

The health care industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution. Through the processes of waste disposal, including incineration, the health care industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental dioxin and mercury. Mercury contamination of our waterways has created the conditions by which a significant number of fish are sufficiently mercury-laden so as to pose a human health threat. Additionally, there are products and processes within the hospital that create health risks for the patients and health care staff. There are a number of positive actions that nurses can take to address the health threats posed by these exposures. These actions include: purchasing environmentally preferable products, implementing pollution prevention actions within the health care setting, and learning more about environmental health.

Objectives

1. Describe the major environmental health threats posed by the health care sector.
2. Identify three chemicals that may affect children's environmental health associated with the health care sector.
3. Explain the nurse's role in taking action to improve the environmental health risks in the health care sector.
4. Specify three resources that can provide more guidance in improving environmental health in the health sector.
5. Discuss the goals of the ANA Resolution on Pollution Prevention.
6. Describe two products/processes that are employed in hospitals which create health risks.
7. List three health effects associated with incineration.
8. Name three indicators of children's health that may be related to environmental health risks.

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