Safer Chemicals and Better Air Quality Protect UH Patients and Employees
Chemicals play many different roles inside a health care system. Some are used as medications to treat patients, others are used as cleaning materials, and others are even waste byproducts of certain processes. University Hospitals is working to remove the risk of exposure to harmful toxins by eliminating known chemicals of concern and choosing chemicals that are safer for people and the environment.
The Quentin & Elisabeth Alexander Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital uses medical devices that are free of the phthalate DEHP, which is a chemical that can leach from flexible plastic devices and may have toxic effects in tiny infants. Our DEHP-free policy is just one more way that our exceptional NICU is a national leader in caring for these most vulnerable of patients.
We are enhancing indoor air quality in our buildings to protect the health and comfort of our patients, visitors and employees. Our environmental services team is using fewer and greener – yet equally effective – cleaners to keep our facilities clean while maximizing safety and minimizing the use of toxic or irritating chemicals. In addition, we use non-toxic, low-chemical-content interior paints.