The sheer volume of waste generated by healthcare institutions (over 2 million tons annually) and the presence of heavy metals such as mercury and other contaminants in that waste stream, have focused attention on this issue. The Memorandum of Understanding between the American Hospital Association and the EPA, known as Hospitals for a Healthy Environment, and non-profit groups such as Health Care Without Harm are bringing increased attention to waste management practices throughout the healthcare system.

In March of 2002, the U.S. Geological Survey published an article entitled Pharmaceuticals, Hormones, and Other Organic Wastewater Contaminants in U. S. Streams, 1999-2000: A National Reconnaissance. The results of this research indicated the presence of pharmaceuticals and other organic wastewater contaminants in 139 streams around the country. This first national reconnaissance has stimulated similar state studies and has begun focusing attention on the issue of waste pharmaceuticals.

Concerns have also been growing over the impact of very small amounts of certain potent chemicals known as endocrine disruptors on the developing fetus and newborn. Some pharmaceuticals, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid, which are hormones themselves, can disrupt normal hormone production and response at critical stages of development, causing irreversible conditions including genital abnormalities and some hormone related cancers later in life. Other pharmaceuticals, such as lindane, mimic hormones and can also cause irreversible damage depending on the timing and dose of the exposrure. Websites such as Our Stolen Future, e.hormone, and Environmental Estrogenes provide updated information on this rapidly developing area of interest.

As nationwide concern continues to grow, we can expect to see increased attention paid to all sources of pharmaceuticals entering the environment. For additional sources of information, please browse our Resources section, Related Environmental Organizations.