September 15, 2016.
At the first international conference on drug residues in the environment, nearly 300 researchers reflected on the risks of water pollution for our health.
Are pharmaceutical products a risk for the environment?
Are our rivers polluted by the drugs we take every day? This is the question that hundreds of researchers have sought to answer, on the occasion of the first international conference on the risk assessment of pharmaceuticals in the environment, held in Paris.
” Since the end of WWII, we have developed many wonderful molecules that heal and allow us to live longer », Commented Yves Lévi, associate professor of pharmacy and organizer of the event. ” But the flip side is that these products now pose a serious risk to the environment “.
Antidepressants, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticancer drugs, contraceptive pills … What happens to the residues of these drugs once eliminated?
Is this pollution dangerous for health?
But what do we know about this pollution? Is it abundant? Is it dangerous for health? ” Incredible progress has been made and today we find molecules at levels as low as the nanogram per liter in all environmental compartments including the most pollutant-laden wastewater », Added Yves Lévi.
It must be recognized that so far, there have not been enough studies to accurately assess the consequences of this pollution on the environment and on health. If the residues are present at low doses, it is understandable that the health authorities are not alarmed. But in the long term, can a low daily dose be dangerous? Currently, there is no regulation requiring that tap water be checked for drug residues.
Read also: Tap water: to drink it or not?
