Page 291 - Design for Environment A Guide to Sustainable Product Development

Medical and Pharmaceutical Industries 267

are opposed to its use because (a) dioxin, a known human
carcinogen, can be formed during manufacture of PVC or
during the incineration of PVC products, and (b) DEHP, a
phthalate used to soften PVC plastic, may leach from PVC
medical devices, and has been linked to reproductive birth
defects and other illnesses. Despite the lack of definitive evi-
dence of harm, PVC has become a controversial material, and
many government agencies are urging caution in its use. A
wide variety of PVC-free products have been developed (see
Johnson & Johnson below).
• Waste disposal. In the past, many hospitals simply inciner-
ated all their solid waste, which resulted in the release of
dioxin, mercury, lead and other dangerous air pollutants.
HCWH and other organizations have promoted responsible
waste management through waste minimization as well as
segregation and treatment of infectious wastes. Many inno-
vative treatment technologies have been developed; for exam-
ple, the University of Sydney, Australia, has developed a
portable, solar-powered autoclave system for rural areas that
can be operated in any weather conditions.

Another important movement is the application of “green build-
ing” principles to health care environments. HWHC and other groups
have worked with The U.S. Green Building Council to develop a
Green Guide for Health Care (GGHC), which builds on the principles
of the well known sustainable design standard, LEED (Leadership
®
in Energy and Environmental Design). Green hospital buildings are
healthier for the patients, doctors, and nurses; use less energy and
water; and have less of an impact on the environment. According to
Rick Fedrizzi, President of the U.S. Green Building Council, “Patients
in green hospitals have greater emotional well-being, require less pain
medication and other drugs, and have shorter hospital stays.” In addi-
tion, studies have shown substantial increases in the job satisfaction,
performance, and productivity of people who work in green build-
ings. By 2008, over 100 facilities had registered for GGHC certification.

Johnson & Johnson: A Matter of Principle

Healthy Planet Initiative
Johnson & Johnson (J&J) is the world’s most comprehensive and
broadly based provider of health care products and services for the
consumer, pharmaceutical, and medical devices and diagnostics
markets. The company employs approximately 116,000 people in 57
countries, with about $61 billion in annual sales. Well-known brands
include Johnson’s Baby Shampoo, Band-Aids, and AcuVue contact