Monday, 30 June 2008
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POST 01285E: REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION SERVICES FOLLOW-UP ON POSTS 01273E, 01283E, 01284E 30 JUNE 2008 ******************************************* SYRINGE MELTING DEVICES Dear Moderator, The single biggest issue for climate change in immunization is the destruction of used syringes. We have been trying for years to get a manufacturer to develop melting devices that will render syringes into a block of plastic that can then be recycled. I field tested an electrical device in 2003 in Palestine, a wood burning device has been developed and tested in Indonesia, a solar device has been developed and field tested by IT Power India, but none has yet gone commercial. The device perhaps could also melt plastic packing for recycling. We need to give a sufficiently strong signal to developers that they invest in making these devices a reality. Perhaps the SIGN meeting in Moscow this year could be the venue for really getting something moving on syringe melting. It is in my view the best way of destroying syringes in a way that the world can afford. best wishes Anthony Battersby ([[email protected]][email protected][/email]) FBA Health Systems Analysts ------ SOLAR-POWERED REFRIGERATORS Dear Moderator The environmental impacts of some immunization services can be reduced beginning at the time of equipment selection. One example are the opportunities in the selection of vaccine refrigeration equipment. Solar power is widely viewed as a positive step towards reducing pollution and climate change. Solar powered vaccine refrigeration is evolving into the preferred technology for health centers in remote areas where the other choices are limited to absorption refrigeration fueled by kerosene or bottled gas. Compared to kerosene, solar brings improved temperature performance and reduced maintenance in addition to the obvious benefits of using clean, renewable energy from the sun. As fuel costs increase the economic advantages of solar power increase. The PQS expanded the opportunity for using solar by adding standards for solar powered fridges that do not rely on batteries. While this technology is in development there continue to be highly reliable solar powered 'fridges using the traditional battery backup. Batteries do contain lead; however, the Battery Council International asserts that nearly the entire battery can be recycled. William McDonough, architect and co-author of Cradle to Cradle makes the case that well designed programs that initially include resource reuse, recycling and (better yet) upcyling make both environmental and economic sense. A well-designed cold chain program will effectively train technicians in correct installation, train users in proper use and also plan for eventual repair, replacement and recycling - even remote areas. Steve McCarney ([[email protected]][email protected][/email]) Footprint Energy Solutions ------ VACINE PACKING MATERIALS I think this dialogue is very important. Two linked actions would have a huge and immediate environmental impact in developing countries: 1) oblige pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturers to state the constituents of their primary and secondary packing materials in their product labels and specifications; 2) encourage (by international recommendation) national health procurement authorities to purchase only pharmaceutical and medical equipment products that do not include materials that when incinerated release environmental pollutants (e.g. PVC blood bags: dioxins and furans, the 'banned' materials may be listed) If 1) is long and hard to achieve, establish a register of current packing materials included in a set of essential drugs and supplies and equipment now commonly used in DCs. WHO could require this information through the manufacturers associations. John Lloyd ([[email protected]][email protected][/email]) PATH ----------- 1. Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things William McDonough's book, written with his colleague, the German chemist Michael Braungart, is a manifesto calling for the transformation of human industry through ecologically intelligent design. Through historical sketches on the roots of the industrial revolution; commentary on science, nature and society; descriptions of key design principles; and compelling examples of innovative products and business strategies already reshaping the marketplace, McDonough and Braungart make the case that an industrial system that "takes, makes and wastes" can become a creator of goods and services that generate ecological, social and economic value. 2. SIGN Meeting 2008 (Discussion Topics) 3. PQS: Solar Refrigerators Post generated using Mail2Forum (http://www.mail2forum.com)
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