Abstract
Thirty four (34) of the fifty (50) selected Nigerian based pharmaceutical businesses, mainly acting as local manufacturers and major importers of medicines were interviewed using questionnaires to ascertain their waste management practices, knowledge of waste management policies and subjection to regulatory control. Thisstudy indicated that like its counterpart industry in other countries of the world, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry generated both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. However, the wastes were not categorized, poorly managed by 91.2% of the respondents, while 58.8% of the health and safety personnel had little or no modern knowledge of waste management. Furthermore, 73.5% of the respondents claimed that they were aware of the regulatory requirements on waste, but no adherence was observed. The industry did not benefit from the strict supervisions of regulatory agencies. Pharmaceutical waste was improperly disposed and all the secondary manufacturers (79.4%) discharged wastewater without removal of pharmaceuticals. This study highlighted the urgent need to train personnel in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities. Management of waste should be planned, documented, implemented and sustained. Key words: Pharmaceutical waste, pharmaceuticals, wastewater, waste management, environment, regulatory authorities, effluent.
Highlights
Four to five decades ago, the focus of developed countries was how to prevent industrial and domestic waste from entering the waterways
This study indicated that like its counterpart industry in other countries of the world, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry generated both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes
If dose is a determinant of the toxicity of drugs, are the concerns about pharmaceuticals in the environment misplaced when it can be argued that the quantities in the environment may not be at toxic levels? Considering the fact that wastewater is being increasingly recycled for agricultural use and there is increased pharmaceutical use and disposal in highly populated countries, the health and environmental concerns may be justified
Summary
An assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in some Nigerian pharmaceutical industries Ngwuluka, Ndidi C.1*, Ochekpe, Nelson A. 2 and Odumosu, Patricia O.2. An assessment of pharmaceutical waste management in some Nigerian pharmaceutical industries Ngwuluka, Ndidi C.1*, Ochekpe, Nelson A. Thirty four (34) of the fifty (50) selected Nigerian based pharmaceutical businesses, mainly acting as local manufacturers and major importers of medicines were interviewed using questionnaires to ascertain their waste management practices, knowledge of waste management policies and subjection to regulatory control. This study indicated that like its counterpart industry in other countries of the world, the Nigerian pharmaceutical industry generated both hazardous and non-hazardous wastes. The wastes were not categorized, poorly managed by 91.2% of the respondents, while 58.8% of the health and safety personnel had little or no modern knowledge of waste management. This study highlighted the urgent need to train personnel in the pharmaceutical industry and regulatory authorities.
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