The plastic paradox in health: vital tool, lethal pollutant

Abstract

The use of plastics in healthcare poses a critical paradox: while it facilitates medical care, its improper disposal threatens human and planetary health. The environmental impact of the healthcare sector is significant, with up to 83% of hospital waste worldwide consisting of plastics, which have harmful effects on health, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory illnesses. In Chile, only 2% of hospital waste is recycled, while 98% ends up in landfills. The presence of microplastics in human fluids and tissues, such as blood and the olfactory bulb, highlights the severity of the problem. Prolonged exposure is associated with oncological, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases, compromising the ethical principle of “do no harm.” Therefore, it is essential to integrate sustainable strategies for hospital waste management, including the implementation of “Green Teams” to reduce the use of disposable materials, promote reuse, and encourage recycling. In Chile, the adherence of 233 healthcare institutions to the Global Green and Healthy Hospitals Network represents progress. However, challenges remain in the environmental education of healthcare professionals and the implementation of effective policies. In this context, nursing is positioned as a key actor to lead this change, given its capacity for direct intervention in clinical care, academic training, and waste management. Sustainability must be a central axis in the transformation of the healthcare sector, promoting environmental education in academic curricula and strengthening local research to support public policy development. This approach ensures a balance between providing high-quality patient care and protecting the planet, thereby guaranteeing a healthier future for all.