Latest news with #UrbanWastewaterTreatmentDirective
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists issue urgent warning as country falls behind in tackling hidden health threat: 'Should not be a reason to delay action'
Experts say the United Kingdom is falling behind the United States and European Union when it comes to tackling the microplastics problem and are calling for increased action from the government. Scientists with the University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Centre want the U.K. to establish a road map with measurable targets and timelines to take on microplastics. The Guardian summarized a policy brief that the group recently presented to members of Parliament, which focused on targeting microplastics at their source, funding research to establish safe exposure limits, and identifying interventions for what they call neglected topics, including soil and air quality. The publication added that the country is falling behind the U.S. and EU, which have some enforceable limits on microplastics in place. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that break off from larger plastics, polluting the environment and endangering human health. They have been found in our air, water, soil, food, beverages, and bodies. Scientists are still exploring the potential health impacts of microplastics, but one study tied them to an increased risk for respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Other research indicates that microplastic exposure could facilitate the spread of cancerous cells and contribute to anxiety, among other health concerns. However, "the fact that the evidence is still emerging should not be a reason to delay action," said Antaya March, director of the Global Plastics Policy Centre, according to The Guardian. "A national road map informed by international developments is not only timely but necessary to ensure policy coherence and future readiness." The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is leading microplastics research. Meanwhile, regulatory measures such as the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015, which prohibits the manufacturing, packaging, and distribution of rinse-off cosmetics containing plastic microbeads, help address the problem, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration monitors microplastics and nanoplastics in food. In the EU, a recently revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive calls for systematic monitoring of microplastics and perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances and puts the cost of advanced treatment on the polluting industry. For instance, the pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries, which are responsible for the lion's share of micropollutants in wastewater, will be required to pay at least 80% of the cost for their removal. While microplastics are already all around us, you can help reduce your exposure by using fewer plastics. This will also help decrease the amount of new microplastics entering the environment for future generations. Scientists are also developing new methods to remove them from the environment. For instance, one group of researchers found a way to remove microplastics from farm soil using a type of processed farm waste. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Malaysian Reserve
22-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Zentiva and Euractiv Bring Policymakers Together for Health Policy Conference
Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All PRAGUE and BRUSSELS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Zentiva supported Euractiv's Health Policy Conference in Brussels, where its CEO, Steffen Saltofte, joined senior EU policymakers in the opening panel titled 'The EU Pharmaceutical Legislation – Ensuring Fair Access to Medicines for All.' Representing Europe's off-patent medicine sector, Steffen Saltofte called for a unified approach to reshape pharmaceutical policy with patients at the centre. He emphasised the need to bring together all healthcare stakeholders — from innovators to the off-patent industry, from regulators to policymakers — to fulfil the promise of health as a fundamental right for all. 'We need sustainable healthcare that is resilient and that people can trust,' said Steffen Saltofte. 'Our EU-based plants delivered throughout COVID and recent shortages — but continued resilience is only possible with a systemic framework that ensures fair and simple rules, predictable pricing, and an aligned policy approach that truly puts patients first. If we want equal access to medicines, we must invest in the system. That means working together to secure medicines for all — across availability, affordability, and accessibility. This demands fair, forward-looking rules and a shared commitment to Europe's healthcare sovereignty. This is not about one part of the system — it's about delivering one healthcare, for all.' Key topics that Zentiva underlined during the discussion: Equal Access and Timely Competition Are VitalWe advocate for pharmaceutical reform that guarantees early patient access through fair competition. Extending exclusivity periods could delay the entry of generics and biosimilars, impacting both affordability and availability. Resilience Starts with Economically Viable EU-Based ManufacturingOur manufacturing sites in Prague and Bucharest maintained continuous supply during recent crises. We call for predictable pricing, investment incentives, and smart procurement rules to secure local production of essential medicines — not just for a few substances, but across the portfolio, ensuring fair access for all who depend on medicines every day. Policy Alignment and Cross-Sector Cooperation Are EssentialIndustrial, pharmaceutical, and environmental policies must be aligned. Without coordination, new directives — such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive — risk undermining medicine supply and innovation in greener technologies. A Modern Framework for Sustainable Healthcare Is NeededWe support reforms that accelerate the adoption of digital tools, such as digital leaflets, incentivize value-added medicines, and ensure pricing systems reflect real-world costs and sustainability goals. Moderated by EURACTIV's Anna Gumbau, the discussion featured Rainer Becker, Director for Medical Products and Innovation at DG SANTE in the European Commission; Stine Bosse, Member of the European Parliament and Vice-Chair of the SANT Committee; and Ondřej Knotek, Member of the European Parliament and of the SANT Committee. Platforms like the one provided by Euractiv are vital — they bring us together to listen, collaborate, and drive progress. For the benefit of all people who rely on medicines every day. Because health is a right, not a privilege. About ZentivaZentiva provides health and wellbeing for all generations. We are a European company developing, producing, and delivering high-quality, affordable medicines to more than 100 million people in over 30 countries across Europe and beyond. Zentiva has four wholly owned manufacturing sites and a broad network of external manufacturing partners to ensure supply security. The company is private equity-owned, delivering sustainable growth, with an ambitious plan for the years to come. We are a team of more than 5,000 unique talents bonded together by our commitment to ensuring the supply of high-quality, affordable medicines to people who depend on them every day. We want Zentiva to be a great place to work, where everyone feels welcomed and appreciated, and can be their true selves, contributing to the best of their ability. Our roots reach back more than 500 years to a small pharmacy in Prague that still exists today. We act today for a sustainable tomorrow, so that Zentiva will continue to provide health and wellbeing for all generations for at least another 500 years. Photo – –
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists make stunning discovery while researching the health of critical waterways: 'Strong evidence'
We've known for years that rampant pollution was one of the leading causes of the decrease in the quality of some of our greatest freshwater resources. Thankfully, proactive and eco-friendly legislation across the globe has started to turn the tide. A recent study published by the American Chemical Society has claimed to reveal the most impactful pollutants that contributed to the lowered levels of biodiversity in freshwater. A team of researchers from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology report that zinc and copper greatly impacted freshwater invertebrate diversity for years. The team scoured data over a stretch from 1989 to 2018 from 1,457 macroinvertebrate monitoring sites in England. They then used what they call "41 chemical, physical, habitat, and geographic variables" to run their analysis. The study concluded that it found no other variables that were "more consistently and strongly associated" with the number of taxa — or a classification unit of organisms — than zinc and copper. As amounts of zinc and copper in freshwater locations decreased, biodiversity levels increased. Andrew Johnson, an environmental research scientist at UKCEH and study co-author, believes public outcry heavily contributed to the reduction of zinc and copper. However, there is one slight difficulty in establishing new policies. Johnson spoke to regarding the data from the study: "There is a widespread desire by the public to improve water quality and biodiversity in our rivers, but the problem for policymakers is what steps would be most likely to achieve results. "Our study provides strong evidence that concentrations of zinc and copper have the biggest influence on invertebrate species richness, so future attempts to increase freshwater biodiversity are unlikely to bear fruit without further reductions in these metals." According to the study, the European Union's Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive likely played a pivotal role in reducing pollution in freshwater sources. However, the researchers say that "reductions in atmospheric pollution associated with the end of coal-burning" may also have been a major factor. Freshwater biodiversity is vital to the sustainability of our food chain. Many freshwater ecosystems impact us by cleaning water and filtering excessive nutrients, pathogens, and pollutants. Johnson pointed to data from long-range studies that enable "the wildlife themselves to speak to us directly." How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
