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Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
The Impact of Modern Imaging Techniques on Carbon Footprints: Relevance and Outlook
Elmar M Merkle1, Fabian Bamberg2, Jan Vosshenrich1
1Department of Radiology, University Hospitals Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
It is estimated that the health care sector accounts for 4.0-8.5% of total global CO2 emissions, with medical imaging representing an energy-intensive contributor. We outline the carbon footprint of the imaging modalities most relevant to urology and list practical recommendations that can have a positive impact on sustainability. PATIENT SUMMARY: Energy use for medical imaging scans is a significant contributor to carbon emissions by the health care sector. Steps to improve sustainability can include choosing the least energy-intensive option among the scan types suitable for each patient and condition, and switching off equipment when it is not in use.
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