Pharmaceuticals in the Environment.qxp

Recently the concerns about environmental contaminants has widened to include not just persistent organic pollutants like pesticides (POPs) but pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) as well. PPCPs encompass a broad class of chemicals, ranging from over-the-counter and prescription drugs, to sunscreen and fragrances. Unlike priority pollutants, most PPCPs are not lipophilic, so they do not bioaccumulate in the environment [1]. While not persistent in terms of a long half-life, these chemicals are constantly entering the environment, resulting in long-term exposure for the aquatic ecosystem. Little is known about the toxicology of these compounds in aquatic ecosystems, but there is enough concern to warrant a proactive response. Too often, regulatory changes for chemicals in the environment are implemented in response to a problem. This newsletter will explore PPCPs' potential for human health effects.