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.
To ensure the long-term protection of ecosystems such as water bodies and soils, and for preventive health protection, the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment must be sustainably reduced throughout the entire lifecycle of medicinal products.
The assessment of the environmental impact of human and veterinary medicinal products has been an integral part of the authorisation process for many years. In Germany, this has been a legal requirement since 1998. The UBA is responsible for conducting the environmental risk assessment.
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.
Despite the fact that, according to current knowledge, there are no known effects on human health, precautionary action should be taken to reduce the release of pharmaceutical substances into the environment, especially as there is still no knowledge of the effects of chronic intake – even at low concentrations – on humans and the environment.
Residues of pharmaceuticals contaminate water bodies and soils worldwide. They have also been detected in groundwater and, in some cases, even in drinking water. Human pharmaceuticals enter wastewater primarily through human excretion and then pass through sewage treatment plants into water bodies. Due to increasing pharmaceutical consumption, environmental pollution is expected to rise.
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.
