A predictive model for the estimation of carbon dioxide emissions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units and computed tomography (CT) scanners

Abstract

The scope of the specific study is the statistical prediction of the annual carbon dioxide use emissions due to the operation of computed tomography (CT) scanners and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) units in hospitals, health units and diagnostic centers, for the period between 2018 and 2030, in 120 countries across the world. The main sources of information for this study comprise statistical data from international organizations, scientific articles and measurements. The basic calculation tool of the study is a mathematical model, modified in such a way so that the calculations can be carried out using the available statistical data. In the final stage of the study, the functions that predict the carbon dioxide use emissions in relation to the years, will be extracted. Furthermore, all the errors and uncertainties of the mathematical model will be estimated. The conclusion, arising after implementation of the calculations, is that the carbon dioxide use emissions of CT scanners and MRI units are expected to grow by 30%, i.e., from 0.344 gigatonnes in 2018 to 0.497 gigatonnes in 2030.