Our core content on Lung conditions and related factsheets has been translated to a number of other languages.
For more languages explore all available Factsheet translations.
Volunteer as a translator or learn how to translate using Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers.
Our core content on Lung conditions and related factsheets has been translated to a number of other languages by our volunteer team.
For more languages explore all available Factsheet translations.
Volunteer as a translator or learn how to translate using Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers.
The medicines we use can pollute the environment if they are not disposed of properly. This can pose a threat to animals and plant life, and potentially affect human health too.
It’s not just the surplus medicines we throw away that cause pharmaceutical pollution (although there are things we can all do to make sure unused medicines don’t add to the problem). Drugs and their waste products can also find their way into the environment when they are being made and used.
This type of pollution affects water quality and marine life, changes the growth and survival of plants, and has even been shown to affect animal behaviour. There are also concerns that pharmaceutical pollution makes it easier for harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi to develop ways to resist treatment. This is known as antimicrobial resistance.
The European Commission have made suggestions about the types of actions that should be taken across Europe. They recommend that policy makers:
The have also said that any actions taken to reduce the impact on the environment should not affect access to safe and effective medical treatment.
As the amount of medicines that we use increases, it is even more important that we work to protect the environment from the effects of pharmaceutical pollution. Everyone can do their bit by asking their pharmacist or healthcare professional about local schemes for disposing of medicines safely. It’s also up to policy makers, drug manufacturers and healthcare professionals to make and enforce rules so that fewer drugs find their way into the environment.
Find out more from the European Commission
Sign up to our free monthly newsletter to get the latest information and research news on lung conditions, plus views from experts and patients! You can unsubscribe at any time.
ELF is a non-profit organisation registered as a UK company (VAT no. GB 115 0027 74) and charity (no. 1118930).
Our Brussels office enterprise number is 0738.383.695
European Lung Foundation's TR ID number in the Transparency Register is: 094039644810-79
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
No description