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.
Residues of human medicinal products for human use enter the environment primarily through wastewater. Pharmaceutical substances are highly biologically active and can have harmful effects on living organisms, particularly in aquatic environments.
