Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water:- WHO Report

Launched at Singapore International Water Week, 4 July

Technical Report and Information Sheet on Pharmaceuticals in Drinking-water
Trace concentrations of pharmaceuticals reported in drinking-water have raised concerns over the potential health risks they may pose.

This WHO technical report takes into consideration the available scientific knowledge and evidence that support the management of such concerns. It emphasizes the need to consider this emerging issue in the overall context of water safety management where chemical and pathogenic microbial risks are often overriding concerns.

Current evidence suggests that exposure to very low levels of pharmaceuticals in drinking-water is unlikely to result in appreciable risks to human health and corrective measures are not necessary.

The information sheet summarizes the key findings, conclusions and recommendations contained in the technical report.

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water (full report) http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/publications/2011/pharmaceuticals/en

Pharmaceuticals in drinking water (information sheet) http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/emerging/info_sheet_pharmaceuticals/en