About this Research Topic
The presence of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in the environment constitutes a growing danger due to the risk of toxic effects on non-target organisms. The United Nations Environment Program has labeled Environmentally Persistent Pharmaceutical Products as a major issue, necessitating the implementation of urgent measures. Several of the Sustainable Development Goals (in particular 3.9, 6.3, and 12.4) also emphasize the need for greater responsibility surrounding chemical pollutants and waste, including pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development has identified pharmaceutical residues in freshwater as a global problem and called for multisectoral interventions that can address the complexities of the challenge. Whilst some regions, countries, and organizations have recognized these concerns and instituted measures to reduce the presence of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in the environment, many others have yet to implement similar strategies.
The term ‘pharmaceutical waste’ encompasses a broad group of waste products relating to the development, manufacture, usage, and disposal of medicines and medicinal products. Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites can enter the environment in a number of ways, including improper disposal, natural excretion by patients, and direct waste emissions during manufacturing. Veterinary use of pharmaceuticals, especially antimicrobials, is also known to add considerably to the environmental burden of pharmaceutical waste. Resource limitations and lack of regulatory oversight may make populations and ecosystems in Low and Middle-Income countries particularly vulnerable to the environmental impact of medicines.
This Research Topic aims to collate and showcase the most recent progress regarding the environmental footprint of medicines. This includes, but is not limited to, high-quality submissions concerning the following themes:
• Environmental regulations for pharmaceutical products
• Studies investigating the burden of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in the environment
• The development of pragmatic interventions and solutions
• Green chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Ecopharmacovigilance/ecotoxicology and one-health approaches
The Research Topic accepts Original Research and Review articles.
The term ‘pharmaceutical waste’ encompasses a broad group of waste products relating to the development, manufacture, usage, and disposal of medicines and medicinal products. Pharmaceuticals and their metabolites can enter the environment in a number of ways, including improper disposal, natural excretion by patients, and direct waste emissions during manufacturing. Veterinary use of pharmaceuticals, especially antimicrobials, is also known to add considerably to the environmental burden of pharmaceutical waste. Resource limitations and lack of regulatory oversight may make populations and ecosystems in Low and Middle-Income countries particularly vulnerable to the environmental impact of medicines.
This Research Topic aims to collate and showcase the most recent progress regarding the environmental footprint of medicines. This includes, but is not limited to, high-quality submissions concerning the following themes:
• Environmental regulations for pharmaceutical products
• Studies investigating the burden of pharmaceuticals and their metabolites in the environment
• The development of pragmatic interventions and solutions
• Green chemistry in pharmaceutical manufacturing
• Ecopharmacovigilance/ecotoxicology and one-health approaches
The Research Topic accepts Original Research and Review articles.
Keywords: Ecopharmacology, Ecopharmacovigilance, Environment, Stewardship, Medicine
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
