Drugs In Our Water

Ever feel a little intoxicated after drinking a glass of tap water?

Maybe there's a reason behind that.

According to an ongoing Associated Press investigation, health facilities worldwide flush millions of pounds of unused pharmaceuticals down the drain annually, pumping contaminants into America's drinking water. These are discarded medications that are expired, spoiled, over-prescribed or unneeded.

Based on a small sample, the AP was able to project an annual national estimate of at least 250 million pounds of pharmaceuticals and contaminated packaging being flushed. A more accurate number is difficult to asses due to few of the country's 5,700 hospitals and 45,000 long-term care homes keeping data on the pharmaceutical waste they generate.

Researchers are finding evidence that even extremely diluted concentrations of pharmaceutical residues harm fish, frogs and other aquatic species in the wild. Also, researchers report that human cells fail to grow normally in the laboratory when exposed to trace concentrations of certain drugs.

Tests of sewage from several hospitals in Paris and Oslo uncovered hormones, antibiotics, heart and skin medicines and pain relievers. It is believed that most unused pharmaceuticals from health care facilities are dumped down sinks or toilets, usually without violating state or federal regulations. Still, few medical centers keep comprehensive records of drugs they cast down toilets or into landfills.

So far, regulators have done little more than politely ask the medical care industry to stop pouring drugs into the wastewater system. "Treating the toilet as a trash can isn't a good option," says Ben Grumbles, the EPA's top water administrator. Environmental professionals outside government are reaching a consensus that incinerators are the best disposal method. Also, some states have passed laws to make it easier to contribute unused drugs to charity pharmacies that supply low-income patients.

Should more be done to protect our drinking water? Are we putting our environment at risk with our pain relievers? Let us know in the comments! And make sure to check out Fish In The Urinal.

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