The effects that toxic chemicals have on human health and the environment are well documented. Such exposures can play a significant role in the cause and development of disease. Therefore, healthcare facilities have a particularly urgent responsibility to use safer, and fewer, chemicals. To reduce and prevent staff and patient exposure, as well as environmental impacts, hospitals strive to segregate and manage pharmaceutical wastes; use products that are mercury, PVC and DEHP-free; use greener cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing chemicals and equipment; and move to more efficient automatic machine washing for sterilization of medical instruments. Hospitals look for opportunities to reprocess single use devices and employ reusable products where appropriate.
Goals for 2026:
- Investigate market options for PVC and DEHP alternatives and conduct trials on at least two product lines
- Collect 50% of pulse oximeters for reprocessing
- Collect 70% of eligible transfer sheets for reprocessing
- Replace six histology processors with new, more efficient processors
Recent Highlights:
Less Chemicals for Hospital Floor Care
The Hospital decided several years ago to use non-wax flooring products whenever flooring was replaced to save on chemical maintenance (stripping and waxing) as well as custodial time. In 2025, there were three large flooring replacements which resulted in almost 60,000 square feet of conversion to no-wax floors, avoiding the harsh floor maintenance chemicals.
Less Chemicals for Laboratory Processing
Our Histology Laboratory replaced one processor and plans to replace three additional replacements in the near term. The newer processors will reduce xylene use by at least 10% and the cost of reagents may fall 46%.
Recent Recognition:
In 2025, Stony Brook University was awarded a Circle of Excellence for Safer Chemical Use. The Chemicals category honors hospitals with sound chemical reduction policies and practices. Winners address toxicity through greener cleaning programs and avoidance of chemicals of concern in purchasing products, services, and equipment.
It was also recognized in 2020 and 2022. The awards celebrate ten hospitals or health care systems who have been identified as the top scoring programs for each sustainability category.
Team Leads:
Michael DeMasi, Nikki Hamblin, Martha Houlihan, Ellen O'Hare, Ally Silver
Policies:
LD0105 Clinical Product Request, Standards and Evaluation Program and Processes