Health also pollutes, it is responsible for 5% of greenhouse gases

From production to disposal, Every drug and medical device we use has an impact on the environment and measuring it is the first step towards a more sustainable healthcare 'green'. From here a growing line of research is born at the global, from which it emerges that the health sector is responsible of 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions. This is adds the problem of waste which, through the waters wastewater, ends up in the aquifers. So much so that, according to one study published in Pnas Nexus in May 2025, it is estimated that each approximately 8,500 tons of antibiotics reach the rivers every year of water, contributing to the spread of bacteria multidrug-resistant. From production to disposal, every drug and medical device we use has an impact on the environment and Measuring it is the first step towards a 'greener' healthcare system. It comes from here is a growing line of research on a global level, from which It turns out that the healthcare sector is responsible for 5% of the global greenhouse gas emissions. Added to this is the problem of the residues which, through waste water, end up in the aquifers. So much so that, according to a study published in Pnas Nexus in May 2025, it is estimated that each year about 8,500 tons of antibiotics reach waterways, c alla spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Acquisition phase of raw materials, which involves extraction and processing of chemicals and synthetic materials. "The production of active ingredients - specifies Di Brino - requires, for example, solvents and energy-intensive processes, often associated with high carbon dioxide emissions. The same applies to plastic and metal materials used in devices, which are often disposable, such as syringes, masks, gowns, gloves, and insulin pens. For many drugs, particularly inhalers and anaesthetics, the process productive, in addition to being energy-intensive, it uses propellants high global warming potential (like HFCs). And then there is disposal: drug packaging, often in PVC and aluminum, and disposable devices are special waste, more complex to dispose of". Another line of studies, however, focuses on residues of drugs that, once expelled from the body, end up in aquifers. A study published in Pnas in 2022, based on 1,052 sampling sites in 258 rivers in 104 countries, identified 61 active ingredients with higher concentrations within safety limits in more than 25% of the monitored sites. Most commonly detected drugs include carbamazepine (antiepileptic and mood stabilizer) and metformin (used for those suffering from diabetes). Furthermore, on 6 million km of rivers, the concentrations of antibiotics may be sufficient to promote the development of bacterial resistance. While the most contaminated are found in areas with poor water management wastewater and intensive pharmaceutical production, especially in Low- and middle-income countries. "Today - concludes Di Brino - the evaluation of technologies Health Technology Assessment (HTA) is a tool consolidated with which the National Health Service decides which drugs or devices to purchase. However, this assessment is still focused on clinical efficacy, safety and economics. Introducing an environmental criterion in the evaluation could direct public investments towards more sustainable products sustainable. In an era when the climate crisis threatens the Global health, 'green' must become a health parameter public". The topic is also being studied in Europe. A report presented in June at the Pharmaceutical Committee of the European Commission and drafted by an ad hoc working group, it proposes recommendations, starting from the strengthening of risk assessment environmental during marketing authorization. "It does not yet represent a policy position approved by all states, but it's still a step forward", concludes Di Brino.