What are "PPCPs"? Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products as Pollutants (PPCPs) refers, in general, to any product used by individuals for personal health or cosmetic reasons, or used by agribusiness to enhance growth or health of livestock. PPCPs comprise a diverse collection of thousands of chemical substances, including prescription and over-the-counter therapeutic drugs, veterinary drugs, fragrances, lotions, and cosmetics. Studies have shown that pharmaceuticals are present in our nation's waterbodies. Further research suggests that certain drugs may cause ecological harm. Additional research is needed to determine the extent of ecological harm and any role it may have in potential human health effects. Some PPCPs are easily broken down and processed by the human body or degrade quickly in the environment; however others are not easily broken down and processed, so they enter domestic sewers. Because they dissolve easily and do not evaporate at normal temperatures or pressure, PPCPs make their way into the soil and into aquatic environments via sewage, treated sewage sludge (biosolids), and irrigation with reclaimed water. Individuals add PPCPs to the environment through excretion, bathing, and disposal of unwanted medications to sewers and trash. In February 2007, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy issued the first consumer guidance for the Proper Disposal of Prescription Drugs. Proper disposal of drugs is a straightforward way for individuals to prevent pollution. RCRA does not regulate any household waste, which includes medications/pharmaceutical waste generated in a household. While discarded pharmaceuticals under the control of consumers are not regulated by RCRA, EPA encourages the public:
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