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| Study finds pharmaceuticals, chemicals in Ohio River | |
| Tuesday, July 13, 2010 | |
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| LOUISVILLE, KY. — A recent study conducted by the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission found that treatment facilities in the eight-state region were unable to completely remove some chemicals and pharmaceuticals from wastewater, The Courier-Journal reported. Dozens of potentially hazardous substances — including antidepressants, veterinary hormones and cocaine — were detected in the Ohio River, the article stated. However, according to the researchers, the contaminants are in low concentrations and do not pose a risk to human health. Other scientists who reviewed the data expressed concern over the potential hazardous effects to fish and wildlife in the Ohio River, according to the story. Some of the pollutants have been identified as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in fish and the scientists said there are legitimate concerns that the contaminants may cause health problems for people who use the river for drinking water. “When we see something this basic being altered in fish, we should be concerned about what it's doing to our own health,” said Peter DeFur, a research associate professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. The study targeted 158 contaminants that are essentially unregulated in U.S. waterways and drinking water supplies, the article reported. To read the entire article, click here. For related information, click here. | |
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