Greener Living
How Hurricanes, Fires and Floods Put Drugs and Medical Supplies at Risk
A new study shows that a large chunk of US drug factories are in disaster-prone areas.
Healthcare equipment made by Baxter International.
Photographer: Phelan M. Ebenhack/AP PhotoWhen Hurricane Helene barreled across several southern states last fall, it destroyed homes and killed more than 150 people. The storm also took out one of the country’s main factories producing intravenous fluid bags widely used in hospitals.
The ensuing shortage forced manufacturer Baxter International Inc. to ration supplies and hospitals to use fewer IV bags, illustrating the risks that climate change poses to the pharmaceutical supply chain.