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Pharmawater, Part II: Drugs in Water Hurt Fish and Wildlife
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 10:53 AM EDT
A five-month Associated Press investigation has determined that trace amounts of many of the pharmaceuticals we take to stay healthy are seeping into drinking water supplies, and a growing body of research indicates that this could harm humans. But people aren't the only ones who consume that water. There is more and more evidence that some animals that live in or drink from streams and lakes are seriously affected.
Pharmaceuticals in the water are being blamed for severe reproductive problems in many types of fish: The endangered razorback sucker and male fathead minnow have been found with lower sperm counts and damaged sperm; some walleyes and male carp have become what are called feminized fish, producing egg yolk proteins typically made only by females.
CLICK HERE for a 3D interactive on the cycle of drugs in drinking water supplies, along with a review of major metropolitan areas where pharmaceuticals have been found in drinking water supplies
CLICK HERE for related story
CLICK HERE for story: Smaller Burgs Don't Test Water for Drugs
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