Publication |
2012
Abstract
Increasing consumption of pharmaceuticals leads also to higher release of its non-metabolized residues into environment, mostly hydrosphere. Some of these substances may reach even treated drinking water.
Although it is found in traces, it causes public concern as it is non-targeted and unwanted medication. It urges toxicologists and public health authorities to assess potential health risks carefully and to communicate the risk adequately to public.
As health risks assessment of environmental exposure to pharmaceuticals is new field of expertise, its methodology has not been unified and standardized yet, but several different procedures have been proposed and used. The paper provides overview of these methods.