Tools and resources

Healthy hospitals: Controlling pests without harmful pesticides

• Chemicals
• Integrated pest management
• Report

Although many people have come to assume that applying pesticides is the only way to control pests and ensure a clean, healthy health care facility, this report shows that pests can be successfully managed without toxic pesticides and without having an adverse effect on the quality of patient care. Health care facilities have another opportunity to “first, do no harm” by changing the way they…

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Landscaping integrated pest management template contract

• Integrated pest management
• Guide
• Buildings
• Green Building
• Sustainable procurement
• Chemicals

Generic template for contracting integrated pest management for landscaping services at a health care facility. 

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Maryland Pesticide Network Sample RFP

• Chemicals
• Integrated pest management
• Exemplary Document
• Tool

While it is essential that hospitals maintain a clean environment free of pests, it is also important that patients, staff, and visitors be protected from exposure to pesticides. Pesticides are known to contribute to cancer, neurological disorders, problems with reproduction, birth defects, and liver and kidney damage. They also can cause irritation to the eyes and skin, can trigger respiratory…

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NorthShore University Health System: Mercury Policies (2016)

• Chemicals
• Mercury
• Exemplary Document
• NorthShore University HealthSystem
• Policy

It is the policy of NorthShore University Health System to prohibit all unnecessary acquisition of mercury-added products in its facilities and to ensure that all mercury containing equipment and waste is managed and disposed in a manner that is safe, protective of the environment, and compliant with all applicable regulations. The policy establishes guidelines for the procurement, use, and…

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NYU Langone: Contracting Purchasing (2016)

• Waste
• Chemicals
• Exemplary Document
• Hazardous and universal waste
• Policy
• NYU Langone Medical Center

NYU Langone Medical Center provides an example of a safety policy on the proper management and disposal of hazardous waste from contractors involved in construction and building maintenance. The purpose of this policy is to protect human health and the environment and to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.   View this resource to read the full policy from…

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NYU Langone: Mercury Policies (2016)

• Chemicals
• Mercury
• NYU Langone Medical Center
• Exemplary Document
• Policy

In an effort to protect personnel and the environment, it is the policy of NYU Langone Medical Center to eliminate the use of mercury-containing products and equipment where safe, effective alternatives exist. The mercury elimination program requires that where no acceptable substitute is available, products containing mercury will be clearly labeled, inventoried, safely handled and properly…

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Pros and cons of specific sterilants and disinfectants

• Chemicals
• Sterilants and Disinfectants
• Report

OSHA animal studies show that ethylene oxide (EtO) is a known carcinogen; it may cause leukemia and other cancers. Inhalation can cause nausea, vomiting, neurological disorders. In solution, EtO can severely irritate and burn the skin, eyes, and lungs and may damage the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys or cause cataracts. 

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Pros and cons of sterilization and disinfection

• Chemicals
• Sterilants and Disinfectants
• Sterilization and Disinfection
• Green Cleaning

Here is a chart with some samples of pros and cons when considering sterilization and high-level disinfection options.

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Sample mercury elimination and management policy

• Exemplary Document
• Chemicals
• Mercury
• Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for removing mercury‐containing equipment where safe, effective, mercury‐ free alternatives exist and ensuring the safe handling of remaining mercury‐containing chemicals and equipment.   

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Advocate Health Care design standard bulletin: Healthy interiors

• Chemicals
• Exemplary Document
• Advocate Health Care
• Healthy interiors

This exemplary document from Advocate Health Care demonstrates how this system achieved the Healthy Interiors goal:  “Effective immediately, purchases of freestanding furniture and medical furnishings for any Advocate capital or renovation project are to be specified without the intentional use of the following chemicals: halogenated fire retardants formaldehyde, perfluorinated compounds, and…

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