The purpose of this project was to assess the potential human risks and health effects from pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in drinking water. Based on studies conducted by the Taiwan EPA, this project has screened more than 30 PPCPs for their occurrences in environmental waters and selected 17 PPCPs to be monitored in this study. A manual has been prepared which provides the information concerning the chemical properities, toxicities, and environmental occurrences of the 17 emerging PPCPs which include six antipyretic analgesics (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Ketaprofen, Aminopyrine, Naproxen, and Fenoprofen); three antibiotics ( Tetracycline, Oxytetracline, and Chlorotetracycline); one endocrine disruptor substances (Finasteride), four personal care products (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, and Butylparaben); two sunscreen products (Oxybenzone and Benzophenone), and one insecticides (DEET). In addition, eventhough that triclosan and atrazine were not included in the monitoring plan of this project, the chemical properities, potential health effects and related informations were also collected and included in the database for future uses. In order to assess the occurrences of potential PPCPs contaminants in drinking water, water samples which included raw water and finish water were taken from 7 selected water treatment plants include Chang-Xing, Ban-Xin, Xin-Shan, Feng-Yuan, Xiao-Ping, Cheng-Chin-Hu and Tai-Hu; watr treatment plants. In addition, samples were taken from each treatment unit of two water treatment plants analyzed to assess the treatment efficiencies of these PPCPs with conventional treatment processes. The results showed that acetaminophen , Ibuprofen, DEET, oxybenzone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben had higher detection rates in raw water with concentrations only at trace leves (ng/L), and the results also showed that the conventional water treatment processes could remove parts of PPCPs. The detectable concentrations in treated water were lower than those in raw water. During the study, three Advisory Panel Meetings were called and several related subjects were discussed. The valuable comments from panelists were considered to improve the quality of this study. Based on the results of this study, the panelists also approved that acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, DEET, oxybenzone, methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben may be considered to be established standard detection methods and included in the watch list of the contaminant candidates for further evaluation. Additional monitoring and assessment for their occurrences in drinking water and potential health effect were recommended.

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products、contaminant candidates、drinking water quality standards、health risk assessment