Pollution of the environment by pharmaceuticals is a growing problem. Environmentally sound disposal helps to reduce their unnecessary entry into the environment. To address this issue the German Environment Agency has set up the portal ‘Pharmaceuticals and the environment.’ It provides information and recommendations for pharmaceutical and medical professionals as well as for consumers.
Viele Gewässer enthalten umweltbelastende Stoffe, zu denen auch Arzneimittel und deren Abbauprodukte gehören. Auch im Grundwasser und somit im Rohwasser für unser Trinkwasser werden Rückstände von Arzneimitteln gemessen.
Diese sogenannten Spurenstoffe können sich bereits in sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen nachteilig auf die Lebenswelt im Wasser und die menschliche Gesundheit auswirken.
By integrating environmental aspects into guideline-based counselling, pharmacy professionals can play a crucial role in reducing the entry of pharmaceutical substances into the environment. Additionally, they can contribute by conducting medication reviews, engaging in collaboration with medical professionals, and providing information on the responsible disposal of leftover medicines.
To support awareness efforts on the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals, the UBA has developed a range of informational materials, some of which are available in multiple languages. These include flyers, posters, postcards, and a birthday calendar, as well as free texts and images that can be used in various media channels.
Pharmaceutical substances in the environment are a growing concern. The UBA provides freely accessible, scientifically reviewed teaching materials for medical and pharmaceutical educators. With a basic slide set and accompanying texts, this topic can be taught in a comprehensive and practice-oriented manner, even within tight curricula.
