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With modern analytical techniques
we can detect undesirable compounds
at very low concentrations
(parts per quadrillion or less).
Today, we know that in the rivers,
in the air or in our body
there are many contaminants
that were also present decades ago,
although we could not detect or analyse them.
With this level of knowledge,
there is no pollution-free
river, lake or sea.
Thus, it is not surprising
to find medicines, drugs
or personal care products
in the waters.
It is logical and expected.
It would be surprising not to find them.
To address the current situation
we need as much information as possible
and a conceptual change:
a higher environmental and food security culture;
a greater involvement.
We have to achieve
a reasonable and realistic balance,
but a little bit utopian,
for citizens to demand responsibilities
before the excesses.
We cannot live
in a world completely clean
of pollutants and chemical residues,
but it is indeed possible and desirable
to have the maximum information
to assess the situation,
since only from knowledge
we can give a response
to the problems that we are facing.
The lack of knowledge and data
leads to outrage, ignorance and wrong approaches.