LipoFuel? Cosmetic Surgeon Powers Car with Patient's Fat
It's either the Best Recycling Story Ever, or evidence that America's obsession with its looks has gone way to far - literally.
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Alan Bittner is being investigated by California's Heath Department for turning fat removed from his patients during liposuction into biodiesel fuel for his car. Yes, really. The blubber-loving doctor used what he called "lipofuel" to power his Ford Explorer and his girlfriend's Lincoln Navigator.
"The vast majority of my patients request that I use their fat for fuel - and I have more fat than I can use, said Dr. Bittner on his website. "Not only do they get to lose their love handles or chubby belly, but they get to take part in saving the Earth"
Bittner has performed over 7,000 liposuction operations - and according to Forbes, a gallon of fat will produce about a gallon of fuel, and drivers can get about the same amount of mileage from fat fuel as they do from regular diesel.
So why is this a big deal? Because, apparently it's illegal in the US to use human medical waste to power vehicles. Is anyone else wondering why, exactly, this law is already on the books? Is this really a big problem? And if so, perhaps this lipo-diesel deal is worth looking into?
We can see the headlines now: Obama Administration taps Dr. Bittner as Secretary of LipoFuel.
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Jesse, 12-31-2008, 2:20AM
Yes it is "a big deal". Bio-wastes contain infectious materials some of which are not denatured even by incineration. This is the reason for strict health dept guidelines for the disposal of medical wastes. Innovation is one thing, but it requires permits and supervision from the health dept. none of which this physician had. The second issue is an ethical one. For any type of organ/body part donation or even the use of patients tissues must be regulated. Imagine if the hospital used grandma's body (without her or your permission) to fuel their ambulances. This physician's infractions are almost too bizarre to believe!
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