By Susan Wineland
Orange Recycling Committee
Pharmaceuticals are indispensable in modern medicine, from painkillers and cold medicine to antibiotics. These drugs provide critical relief to millions of people worldwide. But what happens when these life-saving compounds are disposed of improperly? Pharmaceuticals then find their way into our ecosystems, leaving a lasting imprint on wildlife, water systems and potentially human health.
The issue of pharmaceutical pollution has gained significant attention in recent years, as studies reveal that drugs ranging from common over-the-counter cold remedies to powerful cancer medications are being released into our environment. This pollution primarily occurs in two ways: through human excretion and improper disposal of unused medications.
For years, doctors and pharmacists recommended flushing expired or unwanted drugs down the toilet as a safe disposal method. However, we now understand that this practice can have serious environmental consequences.
Pharmaceuticals are biologically active chemicals. Even in small concentrations, these substances can have unintended effects on both wildlife and humans.
Discarded pills enter wastewater systems and can evade conventional treatment processes at wastewater facilities, making their way into rivers, lakes and even our drinking water supplies.
The US Geological Survey conducted a large-scale wastewater study between 2004 and 2009 to examine the presence of pharmaceuticals in water systems. The results were alarming. Samples collected from 23 wastewater treatment plants revealed the presence of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, including methadone, oxycodone and butalbital. Many of these compounds were found in concentrations sufficient to potentially harm wildlife and humans. While wastewater treatment plants are designed to clean sewage and remove contaminants, they are not equipped to eliminate all pharmaceutical substances.
Traditional treatment methods such as aeration, settlement, chlorination and digestion are effective at removing many pollutants, but drugs remain a persistent issue. Consequently, traces of these chemicals are discharged into rivers and lakes, often ending up in ecologically sensitive areas where they can disrupt the natural balance.
One of the most concerning aspects of pharmaceutical pollution is its potential presence in drinking water. Studies have confirmed that some pharmaceutical compounds survive the wastewater treatment process and end up in rivers and reservoirs used for public water supplies. The US Environmental Protection Agency is actively monitoring the levels of pharmaceuticals in water systems and working to assess the associated health risks.
While there is still a lot more to learn about the long-term effects of consuming water contaminated with pharmaceuticals, the risks are clear. These compounds, even in trace amounts, have the potential to accumulate in the body over time, and their biological activity could have harmful consequences for human health. The presence of drugs in drinking water also raises questions about the broader ecological impact on wildlife, as fish and other aquatic organisms are particularly vulnerable to changes in their environment.
Addressing pharmaceutical pollution requires a multi-pronged approach. On the individual level, one of the simplest steps people can take is to properly dispose of medications. Many communities offer drug take-back programs that allow people to drop off unused medications for safe disposal, keeping them out of the waste system. Never flush drugs down the toilet or throw them in the trash because of their potential environmental impact.
Orange has partnered with local health departments and police forces statewide to support an event for National
Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at High Plains Community Center, located at 525 Orange Center Rd. in Orange.
There is also a prescription drug drop-off box in the main lobby of the Orange Police Department headquarters, located at 314 Lambert Rd. The box has been provided by the Bethany-Orange-Woodbridge Drug/Alcohol Action Committee and is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Any over-the-counter or prescription drugs can be brought to the department and dropped into the box. Additionally, most Walmart pharmacies have medication disposal boxes in front of the pharmacy.
Pharmaceuticals are a cornerstone of modern health care, but their unintended consequences on the environment cannot be ignored. Pharmaceutical pollution is a growing issue with serious implications for both wildlife and human health. As we continue to advance our understanding of this problem, it’s up to each of us to take proactive steps – both on an individual and societal level – to reduce the environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and ensure that our ecosystems remain healthy for future generations. Don’t put prescription medicines or over-the-counter products down the sink or flush them in the toilet. Participate in a drug take-back program.
Susan Wineland is a member of the Orange Recycling Committee.