Action of the pharmaceutical industry
Aumonier, J.
Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises 61(6): 378-382
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-4509 PMID: 14639188 Document Number: 556176
The presence of drugs in the environment, principally in water, can be detected analytically. Although concentrations detected are very low, their presence raises the issue of the impact on the natural medium and human health. In the first part of this review, we attempt to answer some of the most frequently asked questions: why are drugs found in the environment? where do they come from? is there a health hazard? In the second part, we describe measures taken by the pharmaceutical industry to protect the environment. Action is taken to control waste from production sites but also to coordinate the efforts of the pharmaceutical profession via CYCLAMED. Collection and reuse of unused drugs is also discussed.