A new study from The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2025) found that using broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat pneumonia may actually increase mortality risk in certain patients. These antibiotics can disrupt the microbiome, trigger harmful inflammation, and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

A 2025 study led by McGill University found that nearly one-third of all antibiotics consumed by humans—about 8,500 tons—end up in rivers each year, even after wastewater treatment.