Environmental accountability in perioperative settings.

Global environmental problems are connected to patient care issues. The amount and toxicity of medical waste have increased in recent decades. Certain medical products contribute significantly to pollution and contamination of the food chain with persistent, bioaccumulative toxins, including mercury and dioxins. Perioperative nurses need to understand how best to segregate waste and take advantage of opportunities for reuse and recycling. There are many ways nurses can contribute to pollution prevention in health care, some of which are detailed in this article.