{"id":8541,"date":"2019-04-02T11:11:04","date_gmt":"2019-04-02T09:11:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.phytocontrol.com\/?p=8541"},"modified":"2026-09-19T22:15:11","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T20:15:11","slug":"pharmaceutical-products-in-the-environment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.phytocontrol.com\/en\/regulatory-watch\/pharmaceutical-products-in-the-environment\/","title":{"rendered":"Pharmaceutical products in the environment"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 11 March 2019, the EU Commission published a communication presenting several measures addressing the release of pharmaceutical products into the environment.
\nThe treatment of many diseases in humans and animals relies on the use of pharmaceutical products. Environmental pollution by these active substances and their degradation products is a major emerging concern.
\nThese residues can spread into the environment during their manufacture and use. They are found in surface water and groundwater used for irrigation and drinking water production.<\/p>\n

Pharmaceutical products mainly reach the environment through:
\n– the discharge of effluents from wastewater treatment plants containing excreted pharmaceuticals as well as unused pharmaceuticals disposed of in sinks and toilets
\n– manure spreading
\n– aquaculture, in which pharmaceuticals are often administered together with animal feed<\/p>\n

Residues whose concentrations in the environment remain stable due to constant release may pose a risk owing to their toxicity.
\nStudies have shown that certain pharmaceutical products have direct effects on wildlife. For example, male fish exposed to residue concentrations of contraceptive pills can become feminised due to their effects on the endocrine system, thereby affecting their reproductive capacity.
\nSeveral antibiotic and antifungal medicines have been found in water and soil. Their presence could play a role in the development of resistant bacteria and fungi.<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. This Commission communication defines six areas of action covering the life cycle of pharmaceutical products: design, production, disposal and waste management.
    \nRaise awareness and promote prudent use of pharmaceutical products<\/li>\n
  2. Support the development of pharmaceutical products that are less harmful to the environment and promote greener manufacturing processes<\/li>\n
  3. Improve environmental risk assessment and review<\/li>\n
  4. Reduce waste and improve waste management<\/li>\n
  5. Expand environmental monitoring<\/li>\n
  6. Fill certain gaps (link between the presence of antimicrobials in the environment and antimicrobial resistance, chronic effects on humans following low-concentration exposure taking into account a cocktail effect, cost-effective methods for reducing pharmaceutical residues)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    For more information, please find attached the full communication from the Commission: http:\/\/ec.europa.eu\/environment\/water\/water-dangersub\/pdf\/strategic_approach_pharmaceuticals_env.PDF<\/a><\/p>\n

    As part of our ongoing commitment to anticipating your needs, please note that our R&D department is already working on developing an analytical method for testing several pharmaceutical products.<\/p>\n

    For any further information, please contact us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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