The Hidden Impact of Radiography and Fluoroscopy-An Environmental Life Cycle Assessment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Healthcare Sustainability
• Medical Imaging Technology

Background:

• The environmental impact of healthcare services, particularly diagnostic imaging, is an emerging concern.
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a framework for quantifying these impacts.
• Radiography and fluoroscopy are widely used diagnostic imaging modalities with potential environmental footprints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the environmental impact of radiography and fluoroscopy services using LCA.
• To identify key contributors to energy use and emissions in medical imaging.
• To inform strategies for reducing the environmental footprint of diagnostic imaging.

Main Methods:

• An ISO 14040-guided LCA was conducted for radiography and fluoroscopy at an academic medical center.
• Data collection involved direct observation, record review, staff interviews, and energy metering over one year.
• Environmental impacts were calculated using SimaPro 9.3.0.2 and the Ecoinvent v3.8 database.

Main Results:

• Radiography and fluoroscopy generated an estimated 55,100 kg CO2 equivalents annually.
• Energy use was the primary driver (47%), with fluoroscopy exhibiting higher per-scan emissions than radiography.
• Medical linens contributed 24% to total emissions, alongside impacts on ozone depletion, smog, acidification, and eutrophication.

Conclusions:

• Decarbonizing electricity sources and optimizing equipment use can substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions from medical imaging.
• Sustainable practices for medical linen procurement and end-of-life management are essential.
• Minimizing low-value imaging procedures can further lessen the environmental burden.