Nurses, as the largest group of healthcare workers/professionals, are involved in the procurement and use of products that contribute to waste and toxic pollution. Nurses are concerned that the products used to care for their patients not contribute to illness of either patients or the workers. To this end, ANA in 1997 and the International Council of Nurses in 1999, passed resolutions calling for the elimination of toxic waste, reduction of waste volume and necessity of frontline nurses to be involved in procurement and disposal of products used in health care.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to: Describe the points in the ANA and ICN positions on pollution prevention; and, Recognize the potential for shifting the risk from public health to the health of workers when implementing pollution prevention programs (such as vinyl and latex glove hazards.)
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.