D.6 - Environment Impact Of Some Medications. Flashcards
What is high-level waste (HLW)?
It is waste that gives off large amounts of ionising radiation for a long time.
What is low-level waste (LLW)?
It is waste that gives off small amounts of ionising radiation for a short time.
When does antibiotic resistance occur?
When microorganisms become resistant to antibacterials.
What are some examples of LLW?
Gowns, protective clothing, shoe covers, tissues, needles, mops.
How is LLW disposed?
It is stored in shielded containers until the isotopes have decayed and then disposed of as non-radioactive waste.
What are some examples of intermediate-level waste?
Radioactive sources (Co-60, Cs-137).
How is intermediate-level waste disposed?
Stored in shielded containers in underground repositories.
How are antibiotics released into the environment?
The use of antibiotics in animal feeds (healthy animals are given antibiotics to prevents livestock diseases). This causes agricultural waste resulting in carrying the antibiotics into the soil and groundwater.
Improper disposal of antibiotic medicines by hospitals and households.
Antibiotics excreted by humans in urine and pharmaceutical waste enter the sewage system. Sewage treatment plants are rarely equipped to remove antibiotics from wastewater, therefore they can ultimately end up in the drinking water supply.
What are the steps of production in medicines and drugs?
Reaction, separation and purification to form the end product.
How are solvents used in the production of medicines and drugs?
They are used as reaction media and in product recovery and purification.
What are the environmental issues related to left-over solvents?
They have to disposed carefully to avoid causing harm to the environment
What are the 12 principles of green chemistry?
- Prevent waste 2. Maximise atom economy 3. Design less hazardous chemical syntheses 4. Design safer chemicals and products 5. Use safer solvents and reaction conditions 6. Increase energy efficiency 7. Use renewable feedstocks 8. Avoid chemical derivatives 9. Use catalysts, not stoichiometric reagents 10. Design chemicals and products to degrade after use 11. Analyse in real time to prevent pollution 12. Minimise the potential for accidents.
How was green chemistry used to develop the precursor for tamiflu?
The production of shikimic acid from the fermentation of genetically engineered bacteria.
The extraction of shikimic acid from pine needles.
