The ANSES recently published an
opinion on the assessment of health risks related to the presence of diclofenac in water intended for human consumption (EDCH).
Diclofenac is an NSAID very commonly used in human medicine in France for its analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Currently, there is no quality limit for drug residues in EDCH and their research is not included in the health control of EDCH.
In a
2008 AFSSA report on the prioritization of drug residues of interest in resources and treated water, Diclofenac was identified as being of health interest.
In May 2016, ANSES initiated a health risk assessment related to the presence of this molecule in EDCH and also as part of the Micropollutants Plan to preserve water quality and biodiversity (2016-2021).
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are the main source of Diclofenac in the environment, conventional treatments do not completely eliminate the molecule present in wastewater.
All treatment processes have the disadvantage of leading to the formation of many degradation by-products, including 4'-hydroxydiclofenac, which is considered a metabolite of interest and has been taken into account in the health risk assessment
Existing data on Diclofenac concentrations in EDCH in France and Europe have shown levels up to 114ng/L.
A guide value (VG) of 0.4µg/L was determined for Diclofenac.
All concentrations of Diclofenac described in drinking water in Europe are below the chosen GC.
Exposure to 4'-hydroxydiclofenac could not be assessed. In the absence of toxicological data for this molecule, it is not possible to establish a specific GSV and conclude on the health risks associated with the presence of this metabolite in EDCH.
The ANSES Working Group concluded that:
- The evaluation carried out on the basis of the available data indicates that there is no health risk associated with the presence of Diclofenac at known exposure doses in EDCH in France
- No toxicological data are available for 4'-hydroxydiclofenac. The quantitative assessment of the health risk associated with this metabolite could not be performed and it is not possible to establish a specific guide value.
ANSES recalls that diclofenac is monitored in surface waters in metropolitan France and in the overseas departments and in groundwater in metropolitan France under the decree of 7 August 2015 amending the decree of 25 January 2010 establishing the water status monitoring programme.
Please be aware that our R&D department is in the process of finalising a new method for the analysis of drug residues in fresh water.
For any information, do not hesitate to contact us.
