Human Pharmaceuticals: Assessing the Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems

"Are human pharmaceuticals affecting aquatic ecosystems? Does the increasing detection of pharmaceuticals in surface waters justify the increasing concerns about the impacts of ongoing exposure? Are the existing environmental science and data appropriate for answering key questions about such bioactive chemicals? The answers to these and related questions prompted respected scientists from academia, government, and business to produce Human Pharmaceuticals: Assessing the Impacts on Aquatic Ecosystems. Beginning with a workshop and ending with months of discussion and revision, this eminent group evaluated the adequacy of existing risk assessment science as applied to pharmaceuticals; · developed research recommendations to address identified shortcomings; · identified sources of human pharmaceuticals in the environment; · summarized data from detections worldwide; · examined the characteristics of bioactivity; and · discussed the complexity and far-reaching implications for risk management. About the Editor Richard T. Williams is a Senior Research Fellow in the Environmental Sciences group within the Global Research and Development Division of Pfizer Inc in Groton, Connecticut, USA. "