Shivani Tomar*, Yash Kumar Gaur and Shalini Tomar
The cumulative impact of climate change on human health is undeniable, and the role of the healthcare system in exacerbating climate change is well-documented. The healthcare industry is responsible for nearly 5% of Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and toxic air pollutants, with this percentage rising to 10% in the United States. More than 80% of the GHG emissions produced by the healthcare sector originate from the manufacturing and transportation of supplies used by clinicians, rather than from the medical facilities themselves. This indicates that a significant portion of the environmental impact is embedded in the supply chain and logistics associated with medical care.
Among the various proposals to reduce the healthcare system's carbon footprint, one particularly effective strategy is minimizing low-value care by reducing overtreatment and overprescribing. It is estimated that up to one-third of laboratory tests may be unnecessary, and by limiting these wasteful tests, the healthcare sector can make substantial progress towards reducing its carbon emissions. The carbon footprint of each laboratory test varies significantly, from 0.5 grams of CO2 equivalent per test for C-reactive protein to 116 grams of CO2 equivalent per test for a full blood examination. Most of the carbon footprint associated with laboratory tests comes from the blood sample collection process, including the plastics used for test tubes, rather than from reagents or power usage. With over 14 billion lab tests ordered annually in the United States alone, reducing the number of unnecessary laboratory tests could lead to a significant decrease in the healthcare sector's carbon footprint on a large scale. This approach not only addresses the environmental impact but also has the potential to improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of healthcare delivery. By focusing on reducing low-value care and unnecessary testing, the healthcare industry can take meaningful steps towards sustainability and climate responsibility, ultimately contributing to the broader effort to combat climate change and protect public health
