Introduction The overuse of antibiotics by the general population today has raised many questions about the potential effects of this practice. Polls have shown that 70 to 80 percent of the reported cases of sinus infection nationally have resulted in the prescription of an antibiotic dose [Tyler, 2007]. Additionally, despite the fact that there is no data supporting their efficacy, antibiotics are prescribed in 70% of the reported cases of bronchitis [Dent, 2000]. Why are these unnecessary prescriptions being made? What are the effects of exposure to excess antibiotics on the human population? What other sources can humans get exposed to antibiotic residues from? The following discussion will try to shed some light on this. Exposure to antibiotics Therapeutic exposure Since they started being used in the 1940s, antibiotics have saved many lives; previous to this, simple infections like wound sepsis could easily be fatal to the patient. The antibiotics are prescribed in a wide range of bacterial infections; they however have no effect on viral organisms. Misinformed and self-prescription A common practice among mothers is to ask for a dose of antibiotics for their children once they see green or yellow mucous following sinusitis [Dent, 2000]. Another practice is to dose a child or oneself with antibiotics that were leftover from a previous treatment once similar signs appear; this is very dangerous as the drugs are not prescribed by a qualified physician; the danger of under-dosing is very realistic. In addition to this, some infectious conditions do not even need a dose of antibiotics and can be remedied by conservative procedures and hygienic practices [Gross et al, 2007]. Animal and Farm inputs residues This is a very subtle way of exposure since even the consumer is usually not aware of the exposure. The antibiotics that are commonly used in animals are virginiamycin, lincomycin, erythromycin, tetracyclines, and tylosin. These are used as animal feed additives to prevent mostly gastrointestinal infections. The residues of these chemicals are found in products such as meat, eggs, and milk. Some antibiotics are also used in agriculture particularly as sprays to control bacterial infections of fruits. The use of antibiotic additives in animal feed has been banned in Europe. Effects of overuse of antibiotics The aim of administering an antibiotic is to kill bacteria. Several effects can arise from overzealous or reckless use of the drugs. Disruption of Normal Flora Various body systems are inhabited by bacterial that are practically harmless to the person. Some of them are even beneficial; this is especially so as they compete for the limited resources in their habitat with the pathogenic bacteria. Large doses of antibiotics or long-term treatments can lead to the death of these commensals giving leeway to the pathogenic bacteria to thrive; ironically, treatment thus leads to disease. Creation of drug-resistant strains This is among the biggest problems associated with the excess use of antibiotics. The prolonged exposure of both harmless and pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics leads to the selection of drug-resistant strains. Additionally, the bacteria can share their new capabilities through the exchange of small sections of mobile genes known as plasmids. Some of the drugs now that previously guaranteed cures for sudden diseases are no longer effective. People ar