|
What Are PPCPs?
When cleaning out your medicine cabinet, what do you do with your expired pills? Many people flush them down the toilet or toss them into the trash. Although this seems convenient, these actions could threaten our water supply.
Recent studies are generating a growing concern over pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) entering water supplies. PPCPs include human and veterinary drugs (prescription or over-the-counter) and consumer products, such as cosmetics, fragrances, lotions, sunscreens, and house cleaning products. Over the past five years, the number of U.S. prescriptions increased 12 percent to a record 3.7 billion, while nonprescription drug purchases held steady around 3.3 billion. Many of these drugs and personal care products do not biodegrade and may persist in the environment for years.
The best and most cost-effective way to ensure safe water at the tap is to keep our source waters clean. Never flush unused medications down the toilet or sink. Instead, check to see if the pharmacy where you made your purchase accepts medications for disposal, or contact your local health department for information on proper disposal methods and drop-off locations. You can also go on the Web at www.Earth911.com to find more information about disposal locations in your area.
|
