Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta’s drinking water
Monday, March 10th, 2008An investigation by the Associated Press has revealed traces of pharmaceuticals in Atlanta’s drinking water.
Tests on Atlanta’s drinking water turned up traces of acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol), caffeine and cotinine. Cotinine is a chemical made by the human body from nicotine.
Other water systems turned up antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones, as well as over-the-counter pain medicines.
Yum.
The pharmaceuticals enter the water stream through treated sewage. The treatment process does not remove them.
The state is considering whether to test water and sediment near drinking water intake pipes for pharmaceuticals. It may also test for PFOA, the Teflon chemical used to make nonstick and stain-resistant coatings.
PFOA has been linked to cancer and birth defects, and it is found in the bloodstream of most Americans.
