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
