Last week I attended a conference about pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in water. I learned a lot about this emerging issue.
Studies have found PPCPs in water – both groundwater and surface waters. These products have been found in very small amounts and more research is needed to fully understand their impact on the environment and human health. As this research continues, there are some steps we can take now to properly dispose of these leftover and unwanted chemicals. Proper disposal will reduce our exposure to these chemicals and can help reduce the amount found in our waters, including those waters used as drinking water resources..
What are these products and where do they come from?
PPCPs include:
- Prescription and over-the counter therapeutic drugs
- Veterinary drugs
- Fragrances
- Cosmetics
- Sun-screen products
- Diagnostic agents
- Vitamins & supplements
Sources of PPCPs in the environment:
- Human activity
- Residues from pharmaceutical manufacturing (well defined and controlled)
- Residues from hospitals
- Illicit drugs
- Veterinary drug use, especially antibiotics and steroids
- Agribusiness
How to dispose of unused prescription drugs
Do not flush prescription drugs down the toilet or drain unless the label or accompanying patient information specifically instructs you to do so. For information on drugs that should be flushed visit the FDA’s website.
To dispose of prescription drugs not labeled to be flushed, you may be able to take advantage of community drug take‐back programs or other programs, such as household hazardous waste collection events, that collect drugs at a central location for proper disposal. Call your city or county government’s household trash and recycling service and ask if a drug take‐back program is available in your community.
If a drug take‐back or collection program is not available:
1. Take your prescription drugs out of their original containers.
2. Mix drugs with an undesirable substance, such as cat litter or used coffee grounds.
3. Put the mixture into a disposable container with a lid, such as an empty margarine tub, or into a sealable bag.
4. Conceal or remove any personal information, including Rx number, on the empty containers by covering it with black permanent marker or duct tape, or by scratching it off.
5. Place the sealed container with the mixture, and the empty drug containers, in the trash.
For more information:
uriwaterquality 