In 2025, we organised in collaboration with Care for Climate a webinar on plastic use and its impact on our health. During this online event, 86 participants delved into the latest scientific insights on microplastics and concrete action perspectives for more sustainable care.
Prof Juliette Legler presented recent findings from the ZonMW research programme on microplastics and health. She addressed how microplastics can reach the human body through the environment and food chains, what possible health effects are currently being investigated and where important knowledge gaps remain.
The webinar then focused on the environmental burden within healthcare practice itself. Illaa Smesseim presented a life cycle analysis of bronchoscopes, comparing reusable and disposable variants. This analysis offered insight into the ecological footprint of medical devices and made it clear that sustainability considerations are complex and involve multiple factors, such as production, use, sterilisation and waste disposal.
Finally, the Talitha Hoppe practical tools to reduce plastic use within hospitals. She stressed that sustainability is not only a policy issue, but also requires awareness and initiative on the shop floor.
The webinar underlined that plastic pollution and healthcare-related environmental impact are important global health issues. By connecting science, practice and policy, the event provided healthcare professionals with concrete starting points to contribute to environmentally friendly care and healthy environments for patients and staff.
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