There is a lot of talk about sustainability, environmental impact, attention to the planet. Yet about 4-5% of theenvironmental impact in the world is caused by Healthcarein particular fromabuse of drugs.
Moreover, it is enough to consider the life cycle of medicines: from research and development and is completed with their production and distribution for the purposes of human consumption and in the veterinary sector. Without neglecting the substances absorbed by the body which, then, are then released into the environment or dispose of as waste. The effects of the “dispersion” of these chemical components manifest themselves on the environment, especially on marine fauna. Few know, for example that the absorption of estrogen by ball fish caused the feminization of the fish species in some areas. A study conducted in India has shown that the cause of the death of the vultures was renal failure due to the intake of anti -inflammatory drugs poured into the environment.
But the effects also affect human nature, primarily antibiotic resistance. Dr. Francesco Bortoluzzi, National Secretary Italian Association of Gastroenterologists and Endoscopists Digestive Hospital (Aigo) and Medical Director of Gastroenterology of the Ulss 3 Serenissima Company of Mestre-Venezia Comment: “The impact of these substances is very important and partly underestimated. To have the measure of the phenomenon it is necessary to carry out analysis and research, but there is not always an interest in deepening these aspects. Antibiotics is an emerging problem of our health. Both when medicines are used in farms and when we assume them indirectly through nutrition. These residues end up in the ground, also due to inadequate disposal processes, where they are absorbed by bacteria that become so resistant and can contaminate man “.
The analysis of the substances detected in the surface and underground waters shows which are the most used pharmaceutical products among individuals. Among the most common, in our country they have been detected, in addition to antibiotics -especially where use is also more frequent in the veterinary field and for intensive farms -, those based on metformin for the treatment of diabetes and the anti -inflammatory.
For pathologies related to gastroenterology, the most used drug is the so -called pump inhibitor, or gastroprotector. He adds Dr. Bortoluzzi: “What is important to underline is that, for the treatment of some pathologies, there are equally effective alternative drugs and with less environmental impact. Since the design and production, institutions and companies should take into consideration the risks for the environment. It is up to a second phase to the doctors to increase the appropriateness of the prescriptions and encourage responsible use of drugs. Finally, the collection and disposal of advanced or expired drugs is fundamental in guaranteeing its correct recovery “.
The Order of the Doctors of Venice, in collaboration with Isde – Doctors for the environment subjected a questionnaire a couple of years ago on the methods of disposal of the drugs: the large majority of the doctors involved reports the medicines in the pharmacy or delivered those expired to the accecentro of their municipality. However, they are spontaneously declared, in about 5% of cases, incorrect behavior, how to eliminate drugs in the garbage or sink (to testify how the doctors themselves need to be aware of the problem).