UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT OF DRUGS ON THE ENVIRONMENT- A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE PHARMACY.

There is a growing concern globally over issues such as global warming, climate change etc. Various factors that affect the environment have now come into focus, air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution becoming the priority. While activities such as combustion of fuel, ineffective sewage treatment, and deforestation have been the primary cause of concern, we cannot overlook the effect the chemicals and pharmaceuticals have on the environment. Though there are no regulatory standards set for the levels of pharmaceutical products and by-products that can be found in the environment, it is high time that the Governments and the industry take note of the adverse effects that the pharmaceuticals are having on the environment. This paper aims to study the harmful and unwanted effects of drugs on various elements such as water, air, soil and public health.