Pharmaceuticals in the environment : avoidance, reduction and monitoring / publisher: Federal Environment Agency (UBA), IV 2.2 – Pharmaceuticals, Washing and Cleansing Agents ; authors: Ina Ebert, Riccardo Amato, Arne Hein, Sabine Konradi ; proofreading and linguistic revision: Susanne Schmitz

Abstract

Residues of pharmaceuticals pollute our waters and soils. Their traces are found in groundwater and in some cases in drinking water. A risk for the environment has already been identified for a few pharmaceutical active substances. However, according to current knowledge, no risk for human health is indicated. In order to protect our waters and soils on a long-term basis and as well for reasons of preventative health protection the contamination of waters and soils needs to be reduced.