Section: for patients

for patients

Photo of digestion towers reflected in the secondary clarifier of a wastewater treatment plant

Entry, occurrence, and effects of pharmaceuticals in the environm

Residues of human medicinal products for human use enter the environment primarily through wastewater. Pharmaceutical substances are highly biologically active and can have harmful effects on living organisms, particularly in aquatic environments. read more

Photo of a young woman using a laptop, medication in one hand, looking up information online, with more medication on a table in the background

Environmentally conscious use of medicinal products

In matters of health, too, it is important to act in an environmentally conscious way. Patients can help prevent the negative environmental effects of pharmaceuticals. For example, disease prevention, considering non-medicinal treatments, and the responsible use of medicines all contribute to environmental protection. read more

Hand throws pills into toilet overlaid with prohibition symbol

Environmentally conscious disposal of leftover drugs

Do NOT dispose of drugs via the toilet or sink to protect water bodies and drinking water. With proper disposal, pharmaceuticals are destroyed through waste incineration and no longer pose a threat to the environment. read more

Photo showing hands with white cream, which is wiped off with a paper towel.

Pain relief gel – questions and answers

Viele Gewässer enthalten umweltbelastende Stoffe, zu denen auch Arzneimittel und deren Abbauprodukte gehören. Auch im Grundwasser und somit im Rohwasser für unser Trinkwasser werden Rückstände von Arzneimitteln gemessen. Diese sogenannten Spurenstoffe können sich bereits in sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen nachteilig auf die Lebenswelt im Wasser und die menschliche Gesundheit auswirken. read more

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Source URL (modified on 17.06.2025):https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/en/section-for-patients