EPA - Ireland's Environment, An Integrated Assessment - 2020

Ireland’s Environment – An Integrated Assessment 2020 Topic Box 14.4 Categories of chemicals of concern Pharmaceuticals and veterinary products Effective treatment of many illnesses depends on access to pharmaceuticals, yet pollution caused by some pharmaceuticals is of growing concern. The metabolic and/or chemical stability of certain pharmaceuticals means that the vast majority (up to 90% in some cases) of the active ingredient can be excreted unmetabolised and enter wastewater treatment plants and our environment. Of particular concern is the presence of antibiotics, which are extensively used in human and veterinary medicine. The release of these antimicrobials and of antimicrobial-resistant microbes from humans and animals into the environment can accelerate the development and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, which is an issue of global concern. Endocrine disruptors Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with the normal working of the hormone systems of humans and animals. Hormones control a large number of vital body functions and processes such as energy levels, reproduction ability, regulation of growth and development and responses to stress and injury. Endocrine disruptors include a wide range of substances, e.g. some pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other industrial chemicals. Many endocrine disruptors, e.g. phthalates, have been used extensively in manufacturing products such as cosmetics, toys and fabrics. In 2018, the European Commission published a communication for a comprehensive European framework on endocrine disruptors (EC, 2018), which sets out a strategic approach to ensure that European citizens and the environment are protected from these chemical substances. It is anticipated that many of the actions proposed in the Communication will be incorporated into the Commission’s proposed Chemicals Strategy, being developed as part of the commitments set out in the European Green Deal. Persistent organic pollutants Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are substances that are chemically very stable, that bioaccumulate in the food web and that pose risks to human health and the environment. Most POPs are synthetic, e.g. pesticides (such as DDT) and flame retardants, while others are produced unintentionally e.g. dioxins (through activities such as the uncontrolled burning of waste). As their name suggests, these chemicals can persist for very long periods. Certain POPs such as the PFAS, which are extensively used as stain repellents in common household items and in firefighting foams, have been referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ given their highly persistent nature. Human exposure to certain POPs has been associated with adverse effects such as immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity (Gascon et al. , 2013). Ireland is a signatory to the United Nations Stockholm Convention, which sets out, inter alia , measures to eliminate the use and release of harmful POPs. Ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases The ozone layer is a natural band of gas in the upper atmosphere (the stratosphere) protecting humans and other animal life from harmful UV radiation from the sun. A group of substances called ozone-depleting substances (ODSs), once widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning and firefighting systems, have depleted the ozone layer. The hole in the ozone layer caused by ODSs has resulted in higher than normal exposure to UV radiation in certain parts of the globe. The additional exposure to UV radiation can have a number of serious consequences for health such as increased risk of skin cancer and eye cataracts and suppression of the immune system. Consequently, the use of ODSs has been severely restricted and in some cases banned. It is notable that, from a climate change perspective, many of the substances introduced to replace ODSs have a very high global warming potential and are themselves being phased out under the F-gas Regulations (EU No 517/2014) and the United Nations Montreal Protocol. 368