Drugs in Drinking Water
An Associated Press investigation shows that many prescription pharmaceuticals - up to 56 discovered so far - can be found in the tap water of at least 41 million Americans. While the levels are well below those of a medical dose, this has heightened worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health. It is unclear whether boiling or further filtering the water will have any affect on its chemical content. The drugs likely entered the water through human urine, which is filtered and then re-enters the drinking supply.
Fast Facts:
- Water from 28 of 62 major water providers was tested
- Sex hormone found in water in San Francisco
- Washington D.C. water contained six different drugs
- Northern New Jersey water contains Carbamazepine
- Pharmaceuticals found include antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones
Quotes:
- "We recognize it is a growing concern and we're taking it very seriously." - Benjamin H. Grumbles, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water
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