Top Posts
Earthquake hits Northern Iran amid tensions with Israel
Flash Flood: Ogun appeals to residents not to...
VP seeks collaboration to tackle Illegal migration, climate...
Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges
BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance
Europe launches climate change commission
Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...
Zulum, others urge FG to accelerate N80bn rehabilitation...
Group Advocates Stronger Policies To Mitigate Climate Change
Death toll from Mokwa flood rises to 153
EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World
World

Scotland bans environmentally harmful anaesthetic

by Segun Ogunlade March 6, 2023
written by Segun Ogunlade March 6, 2023
636

Scotland has become the first country in the world to stop its hospitals from using the anaesthetic desflurane because of the threat it poses to the environment as NHS data suggests the gas, used to keep people unconscious during surgery, has a global warming potential 2,500 times greater than carbon dioxide.

Banning it in Scotland from when its use peaked in 2017 would cut emissions equal to powering 1,700 homes a year.

NHS England will introduce a similar ban from 2024, and prohibits its use for anything but exceptional circumstances as it would cut harmful emissions equivalent to those caused by powering 11,000 homes every year, according to NHS analysis of desflurane use in 2020.

Many hospitals have switched to safe and effective anaesthetic gases with less warming potential such as sevoflurane, which has a global warming potential 130 times that of carbon dioxide, or to using alternative non-gaseous anaesthetics and more efficient equipment.

Scottish Health and Social Care Secretary, Humza Yousaf, said: “Programmes like this are key to our transition to become a net-zero health service, whilst ensuring patient safety remains at the heart of every clinical decision.

However, some experts have said the ban is only the start and just a drop in the ocean of the NHS carbon footprint” and called for concentration on all the other major things that can make a difference too – such as tackling old hospital buildings that are difficult to heat.

Overall, anaesthetic gasses make up about 2-5% of the NHS’s carbon footprint, and efforts are under way to tackle other medical gases like nitrous oxide.

NHS England’s net-zero strategy includes looking at more environmentally friendly heating and lighting systems, greener vehicles and examining the environmental impact of how medicines and equipment are supplied to the NHS.

Story was adapted from BBC.

 

EnvironmentScotland
0 comment 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
admineconai

previous post
Stakeholders want ban of single-use plastic to take effect by 2024
next post
Study says climate change could cost Germany up to 900 bln euros by mid-century

Related Posts

Fashion brands accused of shortcuts on climate pledges

June 12, 2025

BRICS countries develop shared position on climate finance

June 12, 2025

Europe launches climate change commission

June 12, 2025

Macron rebukes climate change deniers Ahead of Nice...

June 9, 2025

Scientists say nearly 40% of the world’s glaciers...

June 3, 2025

German court dismisses climate case against RWE

May 28, 2025

WHO Climate Change action plan approved

May 28, 2025

Report: World likely to breach 1.5°C limit in...

May 28, 2025

At Bonn climate talks, Brazil demands early deals...

May 23, 2025

Guterres raises alarm over rapid Himalayan glacier melt

May 17, 2025

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Newsletter

Subscribe my Newsletter for new blog posts, tips & new photos. Let's stay updated!

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Bloglovin
  • Vimeo

@2021 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by Eco-Nai+

EcoNai Newsroom
  • Newsround
  • Nigeria
  • Africa
  • World