Topics | Umweltbundesamt

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. read more

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. read more

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. read more

By integrating environmentally conscious approaches into prescribing practices, doctors can actively help reduce the entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment while ensuring high-quality patient care. read more

Do NOT dispose of drugs via the toilet or sink to protect water bodies and drinking water. With proper disposal, pharmaceuticals are destroyed through waste incineration and no longer pose a threat to the environment. read more

In matters of health, too, it is important to act in an environmentally conscious way. Patients can help prevent the negative environmental effects of pharmaceuticals. For example, disease prevention, considering non-medicinal treatments, and the responsible use of medicines all contribute to environmental protection. read more

The "European Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals" (PARC) was developed with the overall aim of improving knowledge about chemical substances in order to better protect human health and the environment. This goal is to be achieved within seven years together with 200 organizations from Europe. read more

Resilience in the face of multiple crises – Pathways and obstacles toward a resilient sustainability transformation, 12th - 14th December 2022, Dessau-Roßlau, Germany. read more