Tackling Pharmaceutical Pollution: A Systems-Based Approach

In this episode of the Sustainable Healthcare Podcast, host Frederik Dam van Deurs welcomes Kelly Thornber, a researcher and advocate for addressing pharmaceutical pollution. Kelly shares her journey from working in Bangladesh to identifying pharmaceutical pollution as a global issue, and discusses the systems-based approach needed to mitigate its risks to public and environmental health.

Episode Summary
Kelly Thornber discusses the complexity of pharmaceutical pollution and the need for a systems-based strategy to address it. She highlights the importance of understanding the entire lifecycle of pharmaceuticals, from manufacture to disposal, and the role of various stakeholders in creating a sustainable solution.

Key Topics Covered

  1. Introduction to Kelly Thornber:
    • Kelly discusses her background and how she became interested in pharmaceutical pollution while working in Bangladesh.
    • Her journey into sustainability and how her department is driving change within the company.

  2. Understanding Pharmaceutical Pollution:
    • The importance of addressing pharmaceutical pollution and its impact on public and environmental health.
    • The complexity of the pharmaceutical system and the need for a systems-based approach to mitigate risks.

  3. The Role of the Pharma Pollution Hub:
    • Kelly’s work with the Pharma Pollution Hub and their efforts to advocate for changes in the pharmaceutical industry.
    • The need for independent facilitation and oversight to drive meaningful change.

  4. Identifying Intervention Points:
    • The 37 intervention points identified in Kelly’s paper and the importance of starting with actionable steps.
    • The role of stakeholders in implementing these interventions and the need for collaboration.

Notable Quotes

  • "Pharmaceuticals are designed to be biologically active, and that means they can have physiological effects in non-target species." - Kelly Thornber
  • "We need to take a systems approach to address the complex issue of pharmaceutical pollution." - Kelly Thornber

Resources Mentioned

Call to Action

  • Share your thoughts: What role should the pharmaceutical industry play in addressing pollution? Connect with Frederik on LinkedIn to share your insights.
  • Subscribe and Share: Help spread the word about sustainable healthcare by subscribing to the podcast and sharing this episode with your network.

Host: Frederik Dam van Deurs Guest: Kelly Thornber, Researcher and Advocate for Pharmaceutical Pollution

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