HCWH Joins Proposal to Reduce Water Pollution Risks

Brussels — The European Commission has proposed a new Directive for introducing 15 new substances in the "priority substances list" in the field of water policy.

Three of these substances are pharmaceuticals: 17-alpha-ethinylestradiol, 17-beta-estradiol, and diclofenac, which are responsible for adverse effects on sexual development and reproductive system of fishes and vultures.

The proposal for introducing these pharmaceuticals on the list lies on the fact that there is strong scientific evidence that these substances are hazardous for the environment and, therefore, Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) should be required for them. EQS are the available tool that allows the establishment of thresholds limit values. Pharmaceutical residues have been found in aquatic systems worldwide and constitute a well-documented environmental concern that is likely to rise in the future.

Brussels-based environmental NGOs, including HCWH Europe, have joint together to support the inclusion of the three proposed pharmaceuticals on the list meaning that they should be monitored and concentration limits should be set for them.

The NGOs also explain to the EU policy makers, currently engaged in debates on the Commission's proposal, the importance of having pharmaceutical residues monitored and controlled in the European waters.

Health Care Without Harm is an international coalition of more than 500 organizations in 53 countries, working to transform the health care sector worldwide, without compromising patient safety or care, so that it is ecologically sustainable and no longer a source of harm to public health and the environment. Visit the HCWH website for more information.