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‘Philippine hospitals not good for health’--expert

by jayr_patron | May 26, 2008 at 09:54 pm | 270 views | 4 comments

A UK-based health expert has warned about the dangers of chemicals found in common household and industrial materials which, unavoidably, are also found in medical care institutions.

I've always had that queasy feeling when in hospitals.

Unknown to many, medical devices made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic such as IV bags and tubing, examination gloves, hospital flooring and plastic food wrap contain phthalates -- chemicals that can damage the liver, kidneys and lungs and can also cause birth defects, especially among males.
This is according to Ruth Stringer, international science and policy coordinator for Health Care Without Harm.
Health Care Without Harm, says its website, is an international coalition of 473 organizations in more than 50 countries working to transform the health care sector so it is no longer a source of harm to people and the environment.
Stringer is also former deputy head of environmental group Greenpeace International’s science unit.

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Rachel Nixon

at 00:00 on May 27th, 2008

Interesting. Does this problem affect patients - who presumably have only short-term exposure to these substances during their hospital stay - or is it more of an issue for health care workers themselves?

jayr_patron

at 00:35 on May 27th, 2008

To my knowledge, this appplies primarily to those who undergo prolonged exposure to such chemicals...and who deal with the substances mentioned on a day-to-day basis. But that's just me...