EcoMOMs March 2009: Drugs in Our Water

Doing our part for a healthier planet in Janesville, Wisconsin

Did you know?

A wide variety of pharmaceuticals can be found in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans, according to an Associated Press investigation reported in March 2008 by CBS News. Water treatment facilities are not required to test for or remove these medicines, which include mood-stabilizing drugs, hormones, over-the-counter pain medications, and antibiotics. The consequences for human health and the environment are currently unknown.

What moms can do:

IDEA #1: Filter first, then drink. Activated charcoal filters remove many contaminants, experts say, and they are affordable. For the removal of virtually all pharmaceuticals in drinking water, the best technology available is reverse osmosis (RO). Though pricey, RO is highly effective. Bottled water is not necessarily better than tap water; in fact, many brands in a bottle also come from the tap. And bottled water carries substantially higher environmental costs.

IDEA #2: Dispose of medicines safely. Don’t flush them! The best way to handle unneeded medications is to dispose of them at a local collection event. This keeps your medicines from contaminating our drinking water and the environment. In 2008, 973 pounds of pharmaceuticals were collected for safe disposal in Janesville and its environs. Currently, no dates have been set for 2009 events in Rock County. In Dane County, MedDrop collects unwanted prescriptions and over-the-counter medicines; the next MedDrop is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at two locations to be determined. See www.meddropdane.org for more information.

Why it’s important:

• Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem in the U.S. Long-term human exposure to low levels of antibiotic drugs in our drinking water may create super bugs resistant to treatment.

• Flushed medications can find their way into our rivers, lakes, and streams. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of medicines, such as antibiotics, hormones, steroids, and birth control, in 80% of the bodies of water they tested in 1999 and 2000.

• Fish and other aquatic life are being harmed by drugs in our water. Even at extremely diluted concentrations, decreased fertility and impaired spawning of some species have occurred. Male fish have produced eggs, or been “feminized”, when exposed to oral contraceptives.

• The possible ramifications of long-term human exposure to low levels of drugs are unclear but certainly of concern. Research shows that human cells in the laboratory do not grow normally when exposed to trace concentrations of certain drugs. Infants, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions would be especially susceptible to any deleterious effects.



This EcoMOMs tip was brought to you by Dana Petersen Murphy, mom to Sabriel and Kaia. You can contact me at dpmurphy@photokiva.com.