A physician-historian on plastics, incinerators and the evolution of medical waste in modern health care

Modern medicine relies heavily on disposable plastic products — from syringes and IV bags to personal protective equipment and packaging. While these technologies have transformed patient care and infection control, they have also contributed to a rapidly growing stream of medical waste. In this webinar, physician-historian Jeremy A. Greene, MD, PhD, will trace the historical rise of plastics in health care, examine the emergence of medical waste incineration as a dominant disposal strategy, and discuss the environmental and public health implications of these practices. Drawing on historical insights, Dr. Greene will explore how understanding the past can help inform a more sustainable future for health care.