Publication details
Ecotoxicity and genotoxicity assessment of cytostatic pharmaceuticals
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2005 |
| Type | Article in Proceedings |
| Conference | SETAC Europe 15th Annual Meeting |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Environment influence on health |
| Keywords | pharmaceuticals; environment; cytostatic; ecotoxicity; genotoxicty |
| Description | In recent years a great consideration is given to the issue of environmental contamination by pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics and hormones. Less attention is given to other toxic compounds that may enter the environment, such as cytostatic (antineoplastic) agents. Pharmaceuticals (including cytostatics) might induce carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogenic effects in non-target organisms, and are excreted into the the hospital or communal waste waters by patients in considerable amounts. In this contribution we present the assessment of ecotoxicity and genotoxicity of cytostatic agents selected with respect to high amounts used such as cyclophosphamide, 5-fluorouracil, cis-platin. Ecotoxicity was investigated with a series of bioassays (inhibition of Vibrio fisheri luminescence, immobilisation of Daphnia magna, growth inhibition of Raphidocelis subcapicata algae). Genotoxic potential was determined with SOS Chromotest bacterial bioassay. Our results provide first basic ecotoxicity data for serious evaluation of environmental risks of this class of highly toxic pharmaceuticals. |
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