US Investigates Drugs Impact

It has also asked for information on how unused pharmaceuticals are disposed of from hospitals, care homes, hospices and vets. The information will be used to shape future regulation and identify best practice when it comes to proper disposal.

The agency is also expanding its ongoing study of fish tissue to build up a national sample to determine whether residues from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics may be present in fish and waterways. On top of this it is mapping the occurrence of cosmetics residues in sewage sludge and wastewater. To facilitate these efforts, the agency has developed analytical methods capable of detecting various pharmaceuticals, steroids and hormones at very low levels.

EPA also is participating in an international effort with the World Health Organisation to study appropriate risk assessment methods for pharmaceuticals as environmental contaminants.