Social Responsibilities of Waste Management in Nursing
Social Responsibilities of Waste Management in Nursing
San Francisco State University
Abstract
This informative paper serves to establish that; dioxins from the incineration of medical waste are transmitted to plants and soil as a byproduct, plants from contaminated soil are eaten by animals; these animals bioaccumulate dioxins in their fatty tissues, and people consume this concentrated form of fatty tissue by eating the animals thereby demonstrating a pathway to significant dioxin exposure in humans that eat animal products. During this research there are findings that indicate that there is hope. Education must be given to the at risk population by nurses, nurses must advocate for environmental change, and other purchasing options that are non-dioxin forming plastics must be considered by hospital administration.
The Social Responsibilities of Waste Management in Nursing The link between environmental toxins and their impact on human health demonstrates a unique opportunity for Nurses to act responsibly as health care providers and advocates for each of their patient’s health. More specifically this paper will discuss the environmental toxin commonly known as dioxin, which has been demonstrated to negatively impact the health of several populations at risk of adverse effects from theses, “dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants” (World, 2010, p.1). This paper will serve to inform and educate fellow nurses by; describing dioxin pollutants and major sources of dioxins, illuminating the link between animal products and dioxin exposure, and discussing health implications of dioxin exposure. Hospitals are among the highest producers of dioxin pollutant, which is released when PVC plastics that are used to make IV and feeding tubes are incinerated as a disposal method. It is essential to identify patients at risk of potential harm in relation to disease caused by dioxin exposure
San Francisco State University
Abstract
This informative paper serves to establish that; dioxins from the incineration of medical waste are transmitted to plants and soil as a byproduct, plants from contaminated soil are eaten by animals; these animals bioaccumulate dioxins in their fatty tissues, and people consume this concentrated form of fatty tissue by eating the animals thereby demonstrating a pathway to significant dioxin exposure in humans that eat animal products. During this research there are findings that indicate that there is hope. Education must be given to the at risk population by nurses, nurses must advocate for environmental change, and other purchasing options that are non-dioxin forming plastics must be considered by hospital administration.
The Social Responsibilities of Waste Management in Nursing The link between environmental toxins and their impact on human health demonstrates a unique opportunity for Nurses to act responsibly as health care providers and advocates for each of their patient’s health. More specifically this paper will discuss the environmental toxin commonly known as dioxin, which has been demonstrated to negatively impact the health of several populations at risk of adverse effects from theses, “dangerous chemicals known as persistent organic pollutants” (World, 2010, p.1). This paper will serve to inform and educate fellow nurses by; describing dioxin pollutants and major sources of dioxins, illuminating the link between animal products and dioxin exposure, and discussing health implications of dioxin exposure. Hospitals are among the highest producers of dioxin pollutant, which is released when PVC plastics that are used to make IV and feeding tubes are incinerated as a disposal method. It is essential to identify patients at risk of potential harm in relation to disease caused by dioxin exposure
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