How emerging technologies are contributing to greener healthcare practices

As in every electronic segment healthcare is looking to minimise the use of harmful substances . The use of lead-free solder where possible and prescribed is already normal , new antibacterial surfaces and the use of UV-light for disinfection minimises the requirement for chemical cleaning products , and new technical breakthroughs can replace entire technologies . For example , the use of radioactive substances in radiotherapy can be replaced by other means like proton particle accelerators .

Proton accelerators used in cancer treatments do not penetrate all the way through the body . Instead , they stop sharply at a depth determined by their energy . By modulating the beam ’ s energy and direction , clinicians can deliver radiation over a 3D tumour volume while protecting healthy surrounding tissue .

Radioactive waste is potentially highly hazardous . If not managed correctly remain highly radioactive for tens of thousands of years , posing a threat to agricultural land , fishing waters , freshwater sources and humans . Replacing radioactive therapy with proton therapy eliminates the risk of radioactive waste not being properly managed and causing a risk to human health and the environment .

Smart Sensors and real-time monitoring systems optimising waste management processes

In this article , Florian Pivit , Managing Director at GLOBES Elektronik GmbH & Co KG , a Milexia company , discusses the future of green healthcare and the technology that will support the sector in becoming more environmentally sustainable .

Smart Sensors are highly efficient for controlling and monitoring patient vitals in real-time , and within key control parameters . For example they can ensure that cooling chains for medications are uninterrupted , or if they are interrupted , they can detect where and for how long . They can detect exposure to harmful contamination , locate equipment in a hospital , ensure maintenance cycles and enable pre-emptive maintenance .

Furthermore , Smart Sensors can help to trace data , devices and substances , to ensure they are not lost , misplaced , misused or disposed in an unsafe manner .

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