When purchasing pharmaceuticals, there almost always is a concerningly long list of potential side effects tied to the drug. Unfortunately, according to recent studies, a very important side-effect has been neglected: the potential for drug accumulation in bodies of water, including our drinking water. While there seems to be no harm to humans yet, fish are feeling the brunt of the effects.
Brook Trout – Pixnio
A recent study has shown mutations in the reproductive system of fish due to estrogen-containing wastewater in Boulder, Co. And so, it may seem that us Canadians are off the hook. Less people, less pollution, right? Well, unfortunately that is not the case. A 2012 study carried out by the Assembly of First Nations, as well as a couple Canadian universities, looked at the water quality in Ontario and found a witch’s brew of pharmaceuticals within Canadian drinking and surface water. Amongst the cocktail of drugs were estrogen-containing contraceptives. And while the concentrations are still low enough to ease the concern of mutant fish, there is still concern as to how we are going to mitigate this issue.
Pills Tablets – Pixabay
How is it that so many drugs are in our water? Well, the answer is simple. With over 40% of Canadians ages 6-79 having prescription medications, and even more so using over the counter medications, the number of pharmaceuticals going to sewer or waste is huge. Even with proper dosing, there is still a large percentage of a drug which is filtered out of the body and into the urine. Waste water treatment is not equipped for full breakdown of the drugs, and so they return to our waters through treated sewage. Furthermore, disposal of old or unwanted drugs usually involves going to landfill or down the drain, both causing a influx of pharmaceuticals in our waters.
While Canada is trying to mitigate the issue of drugs going to water by having the take back system, there are still concerns with the ability of present drugs being able to break down in the environment.
-Tia Malloff
