Endocrinologists Called to Lead Sustainability in Healthcare to Reduce Environmental Impact

Modern healthcare practices extensively rely on plastics, flame retardants, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent chemicals used for water and stain resistance. These materials contribute significantly to environmental pollution and may expose patients to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Common EDCs include phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and PFAS, which can interfere with the endocrine system—the body’s hormone-regulating network crucial for maintaining bodily functions. Disruptions here can lead to conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, infertility, and growth issues.

A recent comprehensive review led by researchers from the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore emphasizes the overlooked environmental repercussions within healthcare, especially concerning endocrinology. Given that endocrine disorders often require long-term management, the environmental footprint of their treatment strategies is substantial. The study urges endocrinologists and healthcare professionals to actively participate in sustainable practices to mitigate this impact.

Published in Nature Reviews Endocrinology, the review consolidates insights from endocrinologists, ecotoxicologists, and sustainability experts across multiple countries including Singapore, India, the UK, Canada, and the US. Assistant Professor Chantelle Rizan from NUS Medicine highlights that healthcare, despite its aim to protect health, also generates notable pollution, including greenhouse gases and microplastics. She emphasizes, "Endocrinologists have a vital role in both recognizing and reducing these harms while ensuring high-quality patient care."

The review proposes actionable strategies, such as adopting reusable medical devices, minimizing unnecessary testing, and advocating for stricter regulations on hazardous chemicals used in healthcare materials. For instance, insulin therapy for diabetes can produce over 1,000 kg of CO₂ emissions over 30 years—comparable to driving 4,000 kilometers in a petrol vehicle. Early and effective diabetes management can reduce the carbon footprint by up to 18% over five decades, whereas worsening diabetes leads to resource-heavy treatments with higher emissions.

Additional measures, including replacing single-use plastics with reusables, streamlining clinical visits, and enhancing medication adherence, could cut healthcare-related emissions by as much as 56%. These improvements also promise cost savings and better patient outcomes. Dr. Eng Pei Chia, a co-author and consultant at NUH, advocates for increased use of reusable insulin pens, noting that engaging the eco-conscious younger generation can promote sustainable diabetes management.

Given healthcare accounts for up to 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, this review underscores the urgent need for sustainable healthcare models. The NUS-based Center for Sustainable Medicine (CoSM) is at the forefront of these efforts, leading initiatives to decarbonize healthcare systems and increase climate resilience. As climate change continues to threaten global health, fostering sustainable practices in endocrinology is a crucial step toward mitigating environmental harm while providing effective patient care.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-endocrinologists-efforts-carbon-footprint-health.html