Advancing Eco-Friendly MRI Practices
Radiology departments worldwide are recognizing the need for sustainable practices to mitigate environmental harm. Speaking at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) 2025, Dr. Linda Moy from NYU Langone Health emphasized the importance of reducing water pollution and energy consumption in MRI departments.
Moy, who also serves as editor-in-chief of Radiology, stressed that environmental responsibility should be as integral to medical practice as patient care. She outlined key steps to make MRI operations more sustainable, such as adopting energy-efficient scanning techniques, reducing reliance on disposable materials, and minimizing the use of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs). Organizations like the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) and the European Society of Radiology (ESR) have also called for a global effort to address radiology’s environmental footprint.
Addressing Gadolinium Waste
One of the most significant environmental concerns in radiology is the use of GBCAs, which are essential in enhancing MRI scans but contribute to water contamination. Since 1988, approximately 500 million doses of GBCAs have been administered, with around 50 million MRI scans relying on them annually. However, most of this gadolinium ends up in the environment, as water treatment plants are unable to filter out heavy metals, impacting aquatic ecosystems and potentially entering human water supplies.
To counter this issue, Moy suggested several measures, including using multidose injectors, which could significantly cut down on contrast waste and plastic waste while also providing cost savings. She also recommended newer contrast agents with higher T1 relaxivity, reducing the necessary dosage and subsequent waste. Additionally, forming partnerships with recycling programs and encouraging patient participation—such as staying after scans for urine collection—can prevent contrast agents from contaminating public water systems. Emerging AI technologies may also help by generating synthetic post-processing images, reducing the need for contrast use altogether.
Reducing Plastic Waste and Water Consumption
Radiology, like many medical fields, generates a substantial amount of plastic waste through single-use materials such as gloves and syringes. Linda Moy highlighted that of the 400 million tons of plastic waste produced globally each year, only 9% is recycled. She advocated for sustainable product designs, partnerships with vendors to develop reusable imaging components, and increased use of biodegradable materials.
Water conservation is another crucial aspect of sustainable MRI practices. Moy urged imaging departments to adopt efficient cooling systems, conduct water audits, and recycle water whenever possible. Furthermore, MRI scanners can be developed using durable, energy-efficient materials, reducing waste and power consumption. Innovations such as low-field MRI systems and advanced coil designs can also help maintain image quality while using less energy.
Linda Moy concluded by emphasizing the necessity of collaboration among radiologists, vendors, policymakers, and researchers to drive sustainable change. She expressed optimism, stating that the field of radiology, known for its commitment to innovation and problem-solving, now has the opportunity to extend its transformative impact to environmental sustainability.
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