Pharma sector pollution falls 40%

POLLUTION emissions from the pharmaceutical sector have fallen by 40% over the past decade due to greater regulation, a study has found.

The analysis of annual EPA data also found that aggregate pollution fell by 45% in the power generation sector, by 22% in the chemical sector and by 28% in the food and drink sector.

Lead researcher on the Trinity College project, David Styles, said that regulation and monitoring of emissions were paying off.

“What gets measured gets improved. Licensing has led to the measurement of key environmental performance parameters and generated the evidence base required for any form of effective regulation,” he said.

“Integrated licensing is a highly effective and efficient driver of pollution reduction.”

The researchers found that between 1995 and 2007, when the aggregate tonnage of pharma production rose by 70%, pollution output decreased by 59%, mainly through large reductions in emissions of sulphur oxides, volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides to air, and heavy metals to water. However, emissions of carbon dioxide increased.

Meanwhile, the European Commission has warned Ireland that it may be forced to bring it to court unless it improves its disposal of construction waste and old cars.

Environment Commissioner Janez Potocnik said: “The world is not our trash can.

“Proper waste disposal is essential to keep the environment healthy. I urge Ireland to bring its practices into line with EU law.”

The Commission also has warned that Ireland is failing in its obligation to comply with EU waste laws, and that “environmentally damaging waste practices are widespread”.