General Health Topics - Drugs Found in Drinking Water

Hello Everyone,

There has been press lately concerning drugs found in drinking water.

Here is a blurb from AOL - "A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows."

How do the drugs get into the water?

"People take pills. Their bodies absorb some of the medication, but the rest of it passes through and is flushed down the toilet. The wastewater is treated before it is discharged into reservoirs, rivers or lakes. Then, some of the water is cleansed again at drinking water treatment plants and piped to consumers. But most treatments do not remove all drug residue."

Taken from http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/probe-finds-drugs-in-drinking-water/20080309184409990001

For more information click here: http://news.aol.com/health/story/ar/_a/probe-finds-drugs-in-drinking-water

It is hard not to pass drugs into the water supply in that manner.

However, if you have old medications that you need to dispose of, DO NOT flush the drugs down the toilet. Contact your local pharmacist and ask for the most current disposal recommendations for your area. If you have any questions, please contact me and I will get you the correct current information.

Thanks,

Dr. Paul