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Published on: December 4, 2016
Incorporating a Screening-Level Risk Quotient (RQ_screen) for Assessing Human Health Risk of Pharmaceutical Residues
Gabriel Souza-Silva1, Igor F C Santos2, Inês B Gomes3
1Faculty of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Brazil.
Summary
Pharmaceutical residues in Portugal
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Pharmaceutical residues are emerging contaminants in aquatic environments.
- Their presence poses potential risks to human health and ecosystems.
- Understanding their distribution and risk is crucial for public health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and evaluate pharmaceutical residues in Portuguese water bodies.
- To assess potential human health risks using risk quotient (RQ) and screening-level risk quotient (RQ_screen) methods.
- To prioritize contaminants for monitoring and risk management.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of published data on pharmaceutical residues in bottled, tap, and surface water in Portugal.
- Application of risk quotient (RQ) and screening-level risk quotient (RQ_screen) approaches.
- Age-specific risk assessment considering body weight and water intake.
Main Results:
- Bottled and tap water showed low risk, while surface water presented the highest concern.
- Hormones, ramipril, betamethasone, citalopram, and amoxicillin were key risk contributors.
- RQ_screen identified carbamazepine, diclofenac, and others for ongoing monitoring.
- Infants and children exhibited higher risk values due to physiological factors.
Conclusions:
- Pharmaceutical residues are an emerging public and environmental health concern in Portugal.
- Surface water poses a higher risk than tap or bottled water.
- Age-specific risk evaluation and targeted monitoring are essential for effective management within a One Health framework.
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