Active pharmaceutical ingredients can enter the environment through human or animal excreta, through improper disposal or during production. Surface waters are particularly relevant here. In connection with the approval process for human and veterinary pharmaceuticals in Europe and the United States, an environmental risk assessment takes place for all new active ingredients. On the basis of its report on mixtures of active pharmaceutical ingredients in drinking water published in 2017, the WHO currently does not identify any immediate health risks and consequently sees no need to act in the short term. To further guarantee the safety of drinking water resources partly against the background of a potential increase in the use of pharmaceuticals, the WHO recommends that this issue be observed comprehensively over a longer period of time. Bayer is actively participating in the stakeholder dialogue.

Project Results

Water quality