A recent article in National Geographic asks the question, “can medical care exist without plastic?” – but instead of presenting a fact-based analysis of this important topic, author Sarah Gibbens irresponsibly answers her own question by propagating the same false claims that entrenched, agenda-driven opponents of the material have advanced for years.
Only in this case, if hospitals followed National Geographic’s misguided information and eliminated plastic from medical care settings, there could be serious life or death consequences. Plastic, specifically PVC, is absolutely necessary in medical care, as it has proven itself to be an invaluable material in hospital settings.
A growing problem in the medical field is healthcare-associated infections, which occur when a patient is being treated for one illness and acquires an additional infection in the process. Making matters more complicated, many bacteria are developing resistance to existing antibiotics.
PVC, due to its versatile applications, is crucial in helping to reduce and prevent healthcare-associated infections. PVC-based vinyl flooring and wall coverings can be easily washed and withstand strong disinfectants. Because PVC is an effective barrier, it can help minimize the spread of even the most infectious diseases. PVC is a common material used in the upholstery of furniture in waiting rooms and patient rooms as well, since it is more durable and easier to clean than other materials.
Doctors on the front lines battling some of the most virulent diseases in the world rely on PVC -- because it does the job. It was, and continues to be, critical in helping prevent the spread of Ebola, by protecting the medical professionals and caregivers combating the deadly disease the field. There simply isn’t another material that can deliver the same level of safety, durability, and protection.
Opponents of PVC argue that alternatives should replace PVC in hospitals. But no other material rivals PVC’s capabilities. Do we really want to use unproven materials in these settings, where people’s lives are on the line, simply because agenda-driven constituencies say we should?
PVC opponents have questioned the recyclability of PVC used in healthcare. The fact is, much of the PVC used in medical care can be recycled. Nonetheless, hospitals require single-use materials of all types because they help prevent the spread of disease and infection. Reusable materials are not safe in certain medical applications given the potential risk of contamination, and that’s especially true when it comes to administering blood to patients. When PVC blood bags replaced glass bottles, they revolutionized the way in which blood is given to those who need it because of their safety, durability, portability, and reliability. While not safe for reuse or recycling today, efforts are underway to develop chemical recycling technologies to return these contaminated products to safe use while reducing the overall environmental impact.
It’s concerning that National Geographic chooses to promote an agenda-driven viewpoint instead of presenting a balanced analysis based on sound science on this topic and others. We have been forced to correct the record on inaccurate claims made by National Geographic, including a previous article by this same reporter.
The simple fact is that PVC is vital to modern healthcare – and alternative materials are unproven, unreliable, too risky – and unnecessary.
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