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Assessment of Household Disposal of Pharmaceuticals in Lebanon: Management Options to Protect Water Quality and Public Health

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Abstract

Pharmaceuticals comprise an extensive group of compounds whose release into the environment has potential adverse impacts on human health and aquatic ecosystems. In many developing countries the extent of the problem and the occurrence of pharmaceuticals in water bodies are generally unknown. While thousands of tons of pharmaceutical substances are used annually, little information is known about their final fate after their intended use. This paper focuses on better understanding the management of human-use pharmaceutical wastes generated at the residential level within the Administrative Beirut Area. A survey encompassing 300 households was conducted. Results revealed that the majority of respondents were found to dispose of their unwanted medications, mainly through the domestic solid waste stream. Willingness to participate in a future collection program was found to be a function of age, medical expenditure, and the respondents’ views towards awareness and the importance of establishing a collection system for pharmaceutical wastes. Respondents who stated a willingness to participate in a collection program and/or those who believed in the need for awareness programs on the dangers of improper medical waste disposal tended to favor more collection programs managed by the government as compared to a program run by pharmacies or to the act of re-gifting medication to people in need. Ultimately, collaboration and coordination between concerned stakeholders are essential for developing a successful national collection plan.

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Acknowledgments

Special thanks are extended to the American University of Beirut Research Board for funding this research project as well as to the students and volunteers who assisted in conducting the survey.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad el Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

    May A. Massoud & Ghida Chami

  2. Chemical Engineering Program, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon

    Mahmoud Al-Hindi

  3. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, P.O. Box 11-0236, Riad el Solh, Beirut, 1107 2020, Lebanon

    Ibrahim Alameddine

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  1. May A. Massoud
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  2. Ghida Chami
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  3. Mahmoud Al-Hindi
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Correspondence to May A. Massoud or Ibrahim Alameddine.

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Massoud, M.A., Chami, G., Al-Hindi, M. et al. Assessment of Household Disposal of Pharmaceuticals in Lebanon: Management Options to Protect Water Quality and Public Health. Environmental Management 57, 1125–1137 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-016-0666-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-016-0666-6

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