The ecological footprint of therapeutic plasmapheresis methods

Global warming is one of the most pressing issues of our century with negative impacts on human health. Healthcare services are vital for human well-being. At the same time healthcare systems have been recognized as major contributors to the climate crisis. As health and health equity are the ultimate goals for humanity, evaluation of the ecological footprint in different areas of medical practice enhances knowledge and information needed to mitigate negative health effects of climate change. Although numerous studies have clearly demonstrated the ecological effects of hemodialysis there is no data regarding the ecologic impact of apheresis procedures. We aimed to summarize some of the available information regarding the key sources of apheresis carbon emissions hoping to make a first step towards pragmatic assessments.