Pharmaceutical Disposal (Reader's Response)

In the article “Pharmaceutical Dispose”, Iburch (2015) claims that the uncontrolled spread of pharmaceutical drugs found in waterways in the United States (US) has become of worry. A source of contamination is from “flushing” unused drugs by individuals and “healthcare workers”. The writer adds that contaminants still remain present in processed water even though it has been treated at facilities. While humans have yet to be impacted by such disposal of drugs, aquatic creatures have experienced negative effects that affect their hormones and fertility. In a bid to salvage the situation, access to “safe and convenient” disposal must be readily available. While I agree that having convenient drug disposal points can alleviate the issue at hand, I have a few contrasting thoughts from the main article. 

First and foremost, attention and consistent efforts should be targeted at solving the problem at its roots – for instance, rigorous planning and conceptualization of a greener environmental framework can optimize the use of drugs to create a sustainable healthcare system. This can be made possible by effectively integrating a monitoring system to better track the usage of drugs. With this system, positive impacts through tighter control of drugs can include: decrease in exposure of disposed drugs to humans and wildlife, lower costs for waste treatment and healthcare and prevents drug abuse.  Therefore, modern technological monitoring systems can be implemented to track and minimize excess drugs accumulated in healthcare industries. As excess drug disposal are kept to a minimum, mankind can look forward to a cleaner environment to live in. 

In comparison to the US, drugs are strictly controlled items in Singapore and are enforced by acts in the legislature. Pharmacists are required to maintain and produce records of the sale of medicinal products which can lead to potential poisoning. Sale of such medicinal products are required to have the particulars of the customer registered. Pharmaceutical wastes are classified into two categories, namely: general and special. The former consist mainly ‘off-the-shelf’ medications while the latter consist of prescribed and controlled medications. While general wastes can be disposed like any other waste, special wastes need to be incinerated. In addition, there are waste disposal contractors appointed to manage the hospital’s waste where they are responsible for the disposal and are also equipped with dedicated waste incinerators. As a result of strict regulations and enforcement, Singapore is taking a proactive step in preventing drugs from abuse and pollution of the environment.

Lastly, while the article only mentioned flushing as a source of common drug disposal, other under estimated sources of drugs unintentionally released into the environment include sweating and bathing as the medication may not have fully absorbed into the body system. Although these sources may not seem to sum up to much, lesser exposure of drugs into the environment can aid in the fight to control unwanted drugs in the water system or environment. In fact, these sources may be easier to apprehend and correct. Therefore, efforts should not only be focused on raising access to convenient drug disposal points but the huge importance of educating people of the rising issue and the steps that they can take to create a better environment for themselves.

References:

Daughton, C.G. (2015, June 19). Drug Disposal & Stewardship: Ramifications for the Environment and Human Health. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ppcp/projects/disposal.html

National Environment Agency (2015, July 28). Toxic Waste Control. Retrieved from http://www.nea.gov.sg/anti-pollution-radiation-protection/chemical-safety/toxic-industrial-waste/toxic-waste-control

 

Health Science Authority (2014, July 31). Certificate Of Registration Of A Pharmacy. Retrieved from http://www.hsa.gov.sg/content/hsa/en/Health_Products_Regulation/Manufacturing_Importation_Distribution/Overview/Audit_Licensing_and_Registration_Of_Pharmacies/FAQ.html

Pharmaceutical Disposal (Summary)

In the article “Pharmaceutical Disposal”, Burch (2015) claims that the uncontrolled spread of pharmaceutical drugs found in waterways in the United States has become of worry. A source of contamination is from “flushing” unused drugs by individuals and “healthcare workers”. The writer adds that contaminants still remain present in processed water even though it has been treated at facilities. While humans have yet to be impacted by such disposal of drugs, aquatic creatures have experienced negative effects that affect their hormones and fertility. In a bid to salvage the situation, access to “safe and convenient” disposal must be readily available.  

Source

Edited : 27 September 2015

The Importance of English

English has played a large part in my upbringing. Brought up in an environment where English is used to converse at home, I found English to be natural, unlike Mandarin. Taking a step back, I realise that the way I perceived English has grown up with me over these years. During preschool, it was only necessary to get the things I wanted. 

As I entered high school, it was no longer the same. Not only did this language become necessary for getting to the next level of education, it was also widely used to communicate between my peers. At the same time, I realise that this language is indeed strangely beautiful. This language is easy to grasp yet difficult to master. Many Singaporeans like myself speak English. However, speaking on an international stage may pose some difficulty. 

As I entered tertiary education, I made several discoveries. English was no longer just conversational between family and friends. In our workplaces, English was widely used to converse as well. Also, by comparing ourselves to our neighbouring countries – Malaysia and Indonesia, it is clear for all to see how this language has played such a vital role in providing our nation with countless opportunities to develop. 

Finally, entering university as an engineering undergraduate requires writing reports which I have not mastered. I am certain that this module can strengthen my skills in report writing through increased exposure from reading and writing and at the same time, develop my perspectives to issues happening around us.  


Edited: 17 September 2015