Exponent Webinar Series

Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment: Technical and Regulatory Issues

Environmental chemists are using increasingly sophisticated analytical techniques to investigate the presence of previously undetected contaminants in surface waters, sometimes referred to as "contaminants of emerging concern." These contaminants include a diverse collection of substances that have been largely outside the current scope of monitoring and regulation in ambient waters.

New research recently reported in the media has heightened awareness and concern among the public about pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in the environment, and increased pressure for regulatory action.

Concerns about possible effects upon human and ecological receptors have prompted a significant amount of research on the fate of these contaminants in the environment and their potential effects upon human health and ecological receptors.

Companies that manufacture drugs and personal care products and water and wastewater utilities that must treat these contaminants are concerned that they may be subject to increased regulation. This webinar will provide a broad overview of the scientific aspects of the PPCPs issue and potential regulatory approaches. We will discuss the following topics:

• Terminology: What is the difference between a PPCP and an endocrine disruptor?
• Occurrence: Where are these substances found, and how are they detected?
• Treatment: How can PPCPs be removed from drinking water or wastewater?
• Human health effects: Are humans likely to be affected?
• Ecological effects: Are fish and other wildlife likely to be affected?
• Regulation and policy: How are PPCPs currently regulated and what changes are likely in the future?

WHEN

Wednesday, March 2, 2011
10:30 am PST / 1:30 pm EST

PRESENTERS

Jane P. Staveley
Senior Managing Scientist

Kristin R. Robrock, Ph.D., P.E.
Senior Engineer

WEBINAR RECORDING

View the Webinar Recording

CLE

This webinar is approved for 1.0 CLE credit by the State Bar of California. All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance to use for individual applications to other states.