proper drug disposal
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Proper Drug Disposal. Presented by: Insert Name Here, Insert Organization Here. INSERT LOGO HERE. The Role of Hospice in Water Pollution Prevention . Water & Wastewater Treatment. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Proper Drug Disposal
The Role of Hospice in Water Pollution Prevention
Presented by: Insert Name Here, Insert Organization Here
INSERT LOGO HERE
Water & Wastewater Treatment
• Anything that goes down the drain is a potential pollutant that can end up in our rivers, lakes, streams & oceans
• These water bodies provide our drinking water • Water and wastewater treatment facilities are designed
to disinfect the water by killing micro-organisms, not to remove complex chemical compounds.
Impact to Aquatic Life
In addition to concern over human health & exposure, there is evidence suggesting water pollutants are impacting wildlife• Frogs:
– Reproductive abnormalities (Hermaphrodism, etc.)– Behavioral changes– Neurological, immune & urinary system failures
• Fish– Reduced mass & limb deformities – Delayed development, increased metamorphosis time – Neurological system failures
As these organisms are at the bottom of the food chain, consider how their predators could be impacted too
Pollutants of Concern
PPCPs (Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care Products):• Prescription Medication Cosmetics• Over-the-Counter Medicines Sunscreen Products• Veterinary Drugs Insect Repellent• Fragrances Vitamins• Lotions Antibacterial Soaps
Sources of PPCPs in the Environment
• Human and domestic animal metabolic excretion • Treated sewage effluent• Untreated sewage spills• Septic systems• Direct release (bathing, swimming, agriculture, aquaculture) • Illicit discharge (commercial or industrial facilities)• Landfill leachate
The Issue
• Water and wastewater treatment processes have not been designed to remove PPCPs
• While some PPCPs breakdown easily, others do not and pass through treatment into the environment
• Whenever possible we should keep these products out of the water system
Prevention
Reduce the volume of PPCPs entering the environment
• Proper disposal of medications is an effective measure that can be addressed immediately
• Be conscious of the products you purchase
• Consider the quantity of the product you purchase
Proper Disposal• Federal guidelines recommend the “mix & toss”
method, using undesirable substances
• Do not flush unless specifically instructed
• Disposal video
• Distribute written method and feedback form
DiscussionCurrent Disposal Practice
• How does this hospice organization dispose of medicine?
• Are you willing to try this alternative method?• What are your concerns regarding disposal?• Would your staff like to tour a wastewater
plant and see our process?
Thank You
The insert organization name encourages you to consider adopting the
pharmaceutical disposal method discussed today
Insert your name and contact here