PERCEPÇÃO DA POPULAÇÃO DE CIDADES DO NORTE FLUMINENSE E REGIÃO DOS LAGOS DO ESTADO DO RIO DE JANEIRO SOBRE O DESCARTE INCORRETO DE MEDICAMENTOS E OS RISCOS À SAÚDE E AO MEIO AMBIENTE

Waste management in Brazil faces major challenges, one of which is the improper disposal of medicines, a phenomenon that has been widely discussed in recent years. The disposal of medicines must be carried out properly, as otherwise it affects not only the environment but also several living beings in general. In this context, the present article aims to analyze the perception of the population in cities of the North and Lakes Region of the state of Rio de Janeiro regarding the improper disposal of medicines. The study is a literature review that seeks to verify, in academic sources, similar behaviors in the treatment and management of this type of healthcare waste. The research focused on works that investigated the perception of the population in the North Fluminense and Lakes Region about the improper disposal of medicines and their risks to health and the environment. The results showed that most people are unaware of the appropriate places for disposal and the associated negative impacts. Therefore, it is clear that awareness campaigns and environmental education are essential, along with the need for effective collection and disposal systems.