OLD MEDICINE- AN ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT.

Old medicine is more hazardous than the usually contemplated level.Old medicines are a common household occurence and the method of disposal we usually sort to is to either flush them down the toilet or just throw them with other household wastes.This act of poor disposal is hazardous in many ways.Its not the packaging but the drugs themselves.Old, post-expiry medicines should be considered as a HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE and careful consideration given to their disposal.The sewage treatment plants are not capable of flushing out the drugs and hence they wind up in our waterways. US -ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)'s studies have found alarming rates of drug deposits not only in our waterways but also in aquatic creatures.Minute levels have also been found in drinking water.In addion to antibiotics and steroids, 100 different pharmaceuticals and personal care products as pollutants (PPCPs) have been identified in environmental samples and drinking water.