Plastic pollution harms the climate, wildlife, ecosystems, and human health. It is estimated that of the 14 000 tons of waste generated daily in US health care facilities, about 20% to 25% is plastic. Yet, the majority of plastics, including those used in health care, are not recycled and have created a plastics crisis for our environment. This webinar will provide an overview of the health harms from plastics and how plastic is a hazard at every stage of its life cycle - beginning with extraction of the coal, oil and gas from which nearly all plastics are made, production and use, and to the disposal of plastic waste. Speakers will also discuss how medically unnecessary plastics in the healthcare sector are contributing to the plastics crisis.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the health harms from single-use plastics.
Discuss the life cycle of plastics including extraction, production, use and disposal and the potential health harms across the lifespan.
Identify opportunities to reduce plastics use in the healthcare sector.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider Number 17198, for 1 contact hour until September 17, 2026.
