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Abstract(s)
Introdução: Atualmente, não existem dúvidas quanto ao contributo e impacto que a
humanidade causou no planeta. As alterações climáticas são uma das maiores ameaças
à Saúde da População, por isso é imperativo que os próprios serviços de saúde sejam
promotores de estratégias de mitigação e redução do seu impacto no ambiente (e
consequentemente na saúde). Sendo os resíduos um importante fator negativo
ambiental dos Hospitais, a sua gestão pode e deve ser alvo de diversas estratégias de
melhoria. A nível global é incentivada a realização da reciclagem, contudo a mesma é
mais complicada e controversa para os plásticos utilizados nos hospitais. O policloreto
de vinila (PVC) é identificado como o polímero mais utilizado, enquanto os blocos
operatórios são uma das principais fontes de resíduos. Por estes motivos, o presente
estudo dá primazia ao PVC utilizado nas cirurgias em bloco operatório em Portugal,
quantificando-o e refletindo sobre a sua gestão.
Materiais e Métodos: Num hospital, durante 49 dias, foram registados os números de
cirurgias realizadas e a quantidade de PVC, previamente selecionado, descartado por
dia em todo o bloco operatório. Foram ainda, consultados os números de cirurgias
realizadas em bloco operatório, no ano de 2022, em todo o Sistema de saúde.
Resultados: No período definido, realizaram-se 1 603 cirurgias e foi descartado cerca de
320,7 Kg de PVC, dando uma média de 0,2 Kg de PVC/ por cirurgia. Considerando o
total de cirurgias realizadas em 2022, pode induzir-se que cerca de 218 240 Kg de PVC
(~21,82 t) foi utilizado e descartado.
Conclusões: Apesar de apresentar algumas limitações, este estudo demonstra um valor
significativo de PVC a ser descartado e com grande impacto ambiental associado. Ao
abrigo das recomendações atuais, importa compreender se este PVC, cumpre na sua
constituição as normas europeias, se parte deste pode ser substituído por outras
alternativas seguras e menos tóxicas e, ainda, se a sua gestão pode ser otimizada para
cumprir com os objetivos ambientais. Reforça-se também a importância da revisão do
enquadramento legislativo aplicado em Portugal e do empenhamento dos Profissionais
de saúde.
Introduction: There is no longer any doubt about the contribution and impact that humanity has had on the planet. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to public health, so it is imperative that health services promote strategies for mitigating and reducing their impact on the environment (and consequently on health). Since waste is a significant environmental factor in hospitals, its management can and should be the target of various improvement strategies. Globally, recycling is encouraged, but it is more complicated and controversial for the plastics used in hospitals. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is identified as the most widely used polymer, while operating rooms are one of the main sources of waste. For these reasons, the present study prioritizes the PVC used in operating room surgeries in Portugal, quantifying it and reflecting on its management. Materials and Methods: In a hospital, over 49 days, the number of surgeries performed and the amount of PVC, previously selected, discarded per day in the entire operating room were registered. Additionally, data on surgeries performed in the operating room in 2022 across the entire healthcare system was consulted. Results: During the defined period, 1,603 surgeries were performed, and approximately 320.7 kg of PVC was discarded, averaging 0.2 kg of PVC per surgery. Considering the total number of surgeries performed in 2022, it can be inferred that around 218,240 kg of PVC (~21.82 tons) was used and discarded. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this study demonstrates a significant amount of PVC being discarded, with a substantial associated environmental impact. Under current recommendations, it is important to understand whether this PVC complies with European standards in its composition, whether some of it can be replaced by safer and less toxic alternatives, and whether its management can be optimized to meet environmental objectives. The importance of reviewing the legislative framework applied in Portugal and the commitment of healthcare professionals is also emphasized.
Introduction: There is no longer any doubt about the contribution and impact that humanity has had on the planet. Climate change is one of the biggest threats to public health, so it is imperative that health services promote strategies for mitigating and reducing their impact on the environment (and consequently on health). Since waste is a significant environmental factor in hospitals, its management can and should be the target of various improvement strategies. Globally, recycling is encouraged, but it is more complicated and controversial for the plastics used in hospitals. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is identified as the most widely used polymer, while operating rooms are one of the main sources of waste. For these reasons, the present study prioritizes the PVC used in operating room surgeries in Portugal, quantifying it and reflecting on its management. Materials and Methods: In a hospital, over 49 days, the number of surgeries performed and the amount of PVC, previously selected, discarded per day in the entire operating room were registered. Additionally, data on surgeries performed in the operating room in 2022 across the entire healthcare system was consulted. Results: During the defined period, 1,603 surgeries were performed, and approximately 320.7 kg of PVC was discarded, averaging 0.2 kg of PVC per surgery. Considering the total number of surgeries performed in 2022, it can be inferred that around 218,240 kg of PVC (~21.82 tons) was used and discarded. Conclusions: Despite some limitations, this study demonstrates a significant amount of PVC being discarded, with a substantial associated environmental impact. Under current recommendations, it is important to understand whether this PVC complies with European standards in its composition, whether some of it can be replaced by safer and less toxic alternatives, and whether its management can be optimized to meet environmental objectives. The importance of reviewing the legislative framework applied in Portugal and the commitment of healthcare professionals is also emphasized.
Description
Keywords
Blocos Operatórios Plástico Pvc Reciclagem Resíduos Hospitalares Sustentabilidade