Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
7
EMERGING CONCERNS
What other types of contaminants are we beginning to
learn about?
Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) have been defined
as any man-made or naturally occurring chemical or microor-
ganism that is not generally monitored in the environment but
has the potential to enter the environment and cause adverse
ecological or human health effects. In some cases release of
these contaminants has been going on for a long time, but
they have not previously been regarded as contaminants and
are already widespread. They can come from municipal, agri-
cultural, and industrial wastewater sources. Some examples
are: brominated flame retardants, phthalates (plasticizers),
alkylphenols (used as detergents and known to disrupt the
reproductive system), pharmaceuticals, and triclosan (trichlo-
rohydroxydiphenyl ether), an antibacterial agent in many per-
sonal care products and which poses risks to humans and the
environment. There are also a plethora of new chemicals that
have recently come into use (e.g., some drugs, nanoparticles).
They came into widespread use before we know anything
about their environmental impacts.
Why are pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs)
a concern?
Pharmaceuticals are prescription and over-the-counter
drugs, including antibiotics, birth control pills, tranquilizers,
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