Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) refer to products used by individuals for personal health/well-being or for cosmetic purposes. Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals/compounds that have or are suspected of having an adverse effect on the body’s endocrine system. Examples include prescription and over the counter drugs, veterinary drugs, fragrances, lotions, cosmetics, detergents, plasticizers, pesticides and flame retardants.
There are a number of routes by which PPCP and EDCs can find their way into surface water and ground water supplies. Elimination from the body, flushing or disposal in landfills of unused or expired drugs, or in the case of personal care products, rinsing down the drain while showering or bathing are common pathways to the environment. In the case of agricultural focused products or veterinary drugs, runoff offers another pathway to surface water or groundwater reserves.
Water Quality Association PPCP and EDC Fact Sheet