ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY

Abstract

Medicines are prescribed for a range of illnesses and occasionally used for a variety of nonmedical purposes. There are countless documented cases where medications have caused more harm than good. Concerns over the environmental effects of medication manufacture are also becoming more widespread among scientists and environmentalists. Low concentrations of medications have been found in drinking water, ground water, surface water, sea water, and sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents in numerous nations. Acute toxicity tests have been used to examine the effects of certain medications on aquatic species. However, little is known about the long-term toxicity and possible mild consequences.[1]