And trace amounts of medications - the unavoidable residue from unmetabolized drugs excreted by humans, and leftover prescriptions intentionally flushed down toilets - have tainted the drinking water of at least 46 million Americans.
Sewage and water treatment facilities are unable to remove all drug residues. And the minute amounts that enter the culinary water supply through treated effluent has some scientists concerned. It's a problem with potentially serious environmental and public health implications.
Prolonged, repeated exposure to small amounts of prescription drugs could stir allergies, cause nerve damage or affect cells in humans. And the feminization of fish, as well adverse impacts on species like zooplankton that anchor the aquatic food chain, has raised the brows of biologists.
While research continues, the federal government needs to reduce the threat by establishing clear guidelines for the disposal of unused medications by consumers, hospitals and nursing homes.
At least five federal agencies have an interest in the issue. And too often, they deliver conflicting information on when, where and how to dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.
For example, the Office of Drug Control Policy suggests you mix drugs with an undesirable substance such as cat litter to deter dumpster-diving junkies, then throw them in the trash. The Food and Drug Administration concurs, but makes an exception for 13 narcotic drugs that should be flushed. The Drug Enforcement Agency counters that there's no safe way to dispose of narcotics.
The feds need to put their heads together, establish a lead agency and adopt consistent guidelines. Then, they need to mount public education campaigns across a variety of platforms.
Pharmacists and doctors should be required to personally instruct their patients and customers on how to dispose of unused meds.
Literature included in prescription packages, and labels on pill bottles, should contain clear disposal directions.
And manufacturers should be required to include disposal instructions in their print ads and television commercials.
