Currently, 353 million tonnes of plastic waste is generated annually worldwide. Projections indicate that these figures are predicted to increase four times, reaching an estimated 1 billion tonnes of plastic waste by the year 2060 (Fleck A, 2022). Globally, approximately 2 billion radiographs are generated annually, encompassing CT scans, mammograms, and chest X-rays, with the medical field consuming 94–98% of these films (Hilal N et al., 2022).

Radiographic films employed in medical applications consist of a polyester sheet coated with a thin gelatin layer infused with silver grains. Traditionally, chemical processing and incineration have been the primary methods for disposing of X-ray films. However, incineration results in a significant loss of valuable silver, approximately 25–30%, and the emitted smoke is both illegal and highly toxic. Consequently, X-ray photographic films, which contain silver, are considered hazardous waste due to their toxicity (Hilal N et al., 2022; Thrall JH et al., 2023).

Plastic additives used in radiological films are recognized as endocrine disruptors and carcinogens (Veitch A, 2021). These chemicals pose a significant threat to human health primarily through skin contact (leading to dermatitis), ingestion, and inhalation (Aalto-Korto K et al., 2019). Microplastics, considered hazardous pollutants, can enter the food chain when ingested by various marine and freshwater organisms, causing a range of health issues. Consequently, when humans consume animals exposed to plastic additives and microplastics, they may face potential harm. Biomonitoring studies on human tissues have detected plastic components, highlighting the presence of these environmental contaminants in the human population (Adeniran AA & Shakantu W, 2022).

Figure 1: Only recycling is not enough to solve plastic waste generation and its impact on environment (Fleck A, 2022)

Statistics from Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OCED) show that a mere 9% of plastic waste is currently subjected to recycling efforts, leaving a staggering 91% to become a harmful presence in our environment. Even more worrisome is the prediction that even if we intensify our recycling endeavors, a substantial 83% of the world’s plastic waste would persist in the environment, continuing to inflict damage (OCED, 2019). This dire situation underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that go beyond recycling and focus on reducing plastic consumption to address the prevalent issue of plastic pollution and its adverse impacts on our planet (Figure 1).

Report released by The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, Global Alliance for Health and Pollution states: “In 2015, diseases caused by air, water and soil pollution were responsible for 9 million premature deaths, that is 16% of all global death. Exposures to contaminated air, water and soil kill more people than smoking, hunger, natural disasters, war, AIDS, or malaria” (Cohen S, 2017). Approximately 92% of these deaths were reported from LMICs (The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health, 2017). Therefore, this highlights the pressing need to mitigate pollution and its resultant health impacts on a global scale, with a heightened sense of urgency, particularly in LMICs (Figure 2).

Figure 2: A. Statistics for global mortality attributed to pollution, B. Statistics for distribution of pollution attributed mortality among low/middle income and high income countries.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing numerous fields, including biomedical research, healthcare systems, and environmental conservation (Castiglioni I et al., 2021; Gore JC, 2020). In this project, we propose the integration of the digital technology “RadioView.AI Application” into clinical settings, offering the potential to eliminate the need for radiology imaging films. Our partner company, NeuroCareAI, has developed this groundbreaking model and is committed to offering it at no additional cost to Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

By implementing RadioView.AI within healthcare settings, we can significantly reduce the waste generated from radiology films, consequently mitigating their environmental impact. Moreover, this technology will streamline the delivery of care, reducing treatment time and ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes for patients. Our cutting-edge solution has the power to disrupt traditional approaches, simultaneously benefiting the environment and healthcare, marking a significant step towards a more sustainable and efficient future.