Environmental science

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the government to allow medicines reuse: we must not waste this opportunity to counter our throwaway culture

Fears over drug shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic mean that, in care homes and hospices, costly medicines prescribed but unused by one patient can now be given to another, rather than destroyed. This formerly illegal practice should stay long after we recover from the pandemic, and be extended …

Reducing the impact of asthma treatment on climate change

In April 2019, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) published a patient decision aid for inhaler choice in asthma treatment, including comparisons of the devices’ environmental impact as well as usual clinical considerations[1] . The aid suggests taking inhalers’ carbon f…

Breath of fresh air: why it is time for a national drive to recycle used inhalers

Every single one of us should be making changes to our living habits to ensure we reduce our carbon footprint, and the way we use and dispose of inhalers is no exception.…

Science of sunscreen

Sun exposure is the primary cause of skin cancer. According to Cancer Research UK, more than 8 in 10 cases of melanoma could be prevented through better knowledge of sun damage and how to protect against it.…

Vitamin B may help reduce impact of air pollution on health

Taking vitamin B may help lower the impact of air pollution on health by reducing its adverse effect on DNA methylation, a mechanism used by cells to control gene expression, according to new research.…

How chemicals and heavy metals contribute to antimicrobial resistance

Evidence is emerging that biocides and heavy metals all contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.…

Increase of ragweed pollen predicted across Europe

Results of a modelling study suggest that ragweed pollen loads in Europe are likely to increase four-fold by 2050, as a result of climate change and transitions in land use.…

A cheap and easy arsenic filter for drinking water

Arsenic is among the world’s most common environmental pollutants, but the methods for removing it are often too expensive for use. A research team at the University of Florida may have the answer.…

Developing antibacterial plastics

Researchers in America have developed some bioplastics, made with albumin, soy or whey, that have antibacterial properties.…

Time to act: pharmacists must be prepared for environmental changes

How will the pharmacist’s role evolve as the world’s climate changes? Iain Davidson and colleagues describe the impact of the profession on the planet — and vice versa.…