Pharma-Ecology, 2nd Edition

10Guidelines for a Regulatory Framework on PPCPs in the Environment

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Elements of the precautionary principle and associated goal of limiting emission of PPCPs in the environment.
2. Practical steps for industry and various professions in minimizing PPCP entry and persistence in the environment.
3. Building regulatory frameworks based on solid scientific evidence.
4. Advancing social responsibility to minimize the impact of PPCPs to the environment.

Interest in the issue of PPCPs in the environment is growing beyond developed countries. Emerging economies such as China and India as well as developing countries are or will also be impacted by these compounds in a short timeframe. This chapter is devoted to some corrective strategies through regulatory actions. A framework for such actions will have an overarching goal of ameliorating techniques before and during PPCP use through promotion of green chemistry, personalized medicine, examination of prescribing practices, and disposal mechanisms of unused compounds. A regulatory framework can reflect a continuum of government oversight ranging from self‐regulation, quasi‐regulation, co‐regulation, and direct government regulation (ALRC, n.d.). Self‐regulation is characterized by industry‐formulated rules and codes of conduct. Under this arrangement, industry is entirely responsible for enforcement. Self‐regulation is feasible in instances without strong public interest concern where there are no major public health ...