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  • The Environmental Impact of Pediatric Endoscopy: Small Feet Have a Disproportionately Large Carbon Footprint. The Journal of pediatrics Barakat, M. T., Nwokorie, F., Deliwala, S. S., Quinn, M., Kalra, P., Gugig, R. 2026: 115248

    Abstract

    We evaluated the carbon footprint of a pediatric endoscopy unit through a two-week audit. Pediatric procedures generated 3.48 kg waste per case with an annuallized carbon footprint of 108.32 metric tons. Combining procedures and reducing hazardous waste offer opportunities to reduce environmental impact. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is essential for modern medical practice. The endoscopic procedures performed are lifesaving diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The environmental impact of these endoscopic procedures has become an increasingly important topic of study and discussion. (1, 2) The carbon footprint associated with endoscopy is relatively high and largely attributable to the converging factors of high procedure volumes, energy-intensive disinfection processes, and the increasing use of single-use devices to prevent endoscope-transmitted infections. A study evaluating the carbon footprint of adult endoscopy revealed that each adult endoscopic procedure generates approximately 2.1 kg of disposable waste (2). This significant environmental burden raises concerns about sustainability in healthcare practices. Adult and pediatric endoscopy involve similar procedures, however the practice of endoscopy differs substantially. Pediatric endoscopy procedures are more often performed in an operating room setting and are performed in many-fold lower volumes than adult endoscopy procedures. The pediatric endoscopy carbon footprint has not been rigorously studied. Given the unique challenges and practice environment of pediatric endoscopy, it is crucial to evaluate the environmental impact of these procedures. Understanding how the environmental impact of pediatric and adult endoscopy procedures differ has the potential to advance our understanding of how specific differences in practice environment can impact the carbon footprint of procedures. Toward this goal, the present study aims to assess the environmental impact of pediatric endoscopy for the first time, focusing on the volume of disposable waste generated and the energy consumed during procedures.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jpeds.2026.115248

    View details for PubMedID 42476298