Presence of therapeutic drugs in the environment

Therapeutic drugs can contaminate the environment because of metabolic excr etion, improper disposal, or industrial waste. To assess the extent of this contamination, we listed drugs thought to be putative priority pollutants according to selected criteria, and measured them in Lombardy, Italy. Most drugs were measurable in drinking or river waters and sediments, suggesting that pharmaceutical products are widespread contaminants, with possible im plications for human health and the environment.