Pharmaceutical Session Intro PSI Forum, June 2009 Dave Galvin Local Hazardous Waste Management Program in King County (Seattle, WA)

A timely subject…

Pharmaceuticals Antibiotics Anti-inflammatories Beta-blockers Anti-depressants (SSRIs) Steroids Hormones, estrogen replacements, BC pills Chemotherapeutics Stimulants Etc.

Drugs are showing up in the environment Ibuprofen, valium, prozac, antibiotics, steroids, hormones Found in 80% of U.S. streams tested by USGS Found in drinking water supplies in many U.S. cities

Drugs also present poisoning and abuse hazards Most homes have many medicines on the shelves Common source of childhood poisonings Common source of teenage and adult abuse

Evolution of the Issue Christian EPA: “father” of this issue? –Lone voice for years beginning in the 1990s; “PPCPs” Charlotte Associates in Wisc.: –Founded first RD firm in 1990; founded P.E. in 2000 U.S. Geological Survey’s seminal study (Kolpin et al.): –Published in ES&T in 2002 Maine Benzodiazepine group: First Unused Medicine Return Conference in Maine in 2004 –Stevan Gressitt, Len Kaye – concerned about drug abuse Formation of national Pharmwaste listserv: –Laurie DEP – 2004 NAHMMA conference First EPA Conference on Pharms in Environment: –2005 in Las Vegas

Evolution (cont’d) Take-backs began at grass-roots: –Indiana-- New England -- Washington –Florida-- California Complex problem identified –Environmental concerns, also safety/abuse Complex legal arena for handling left-overs Product stewardship take-back approach seems like a key piece of answer

In sum… An important, timely focus for PSI Strong public support for a solution Lots of activity on take-back, state legislation, source control, federal regs and law changes