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Flushing Medications Effect the Lakes Ecosystem
Pharmaceuticals in Our Waters- An Emerging Concern.pdf
Proper Disposal of Household Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Do NOT flush or pour unwanted, unused or expired medications down the drain. This includes expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
Why Not Flush?
Flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams. Research has shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic organisms. Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources including the flushing of unused medications. A nationwide study done in 1999 and 2000 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested.
Fish and other aquatic wildlife are being adversely affected.
A number of studies have shown impacts on aquatic life. For example, male fish have been feminized (produced eggs) when exposed to hormones (birth control pills). Other drugs, such as anti-depressants and beta-blockers, reduce fertility or affect spawning in certain aquatic organisms. Drug-resistant bacteria might develop. Long-term exposure to low levels of antibiotics might result in the evolution of, or selection for, drug-resistant microbes and bacteria.
This is a news release taken from the NYS DEC's website - (www.dec.ny.gov - Proper disposal of household prescriptions and over the counter drugs).
Proper Disposal of Household Prescriptions and Over-the-Counter Drugs
Do NOT flush or pour unwanted, unused or expired medications down the drain. This includes expired and unused prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs.
Why Not Flush?
Flushed medications can get into our lakes, rivers and streams. Research has shown that continuous exposure to low levels of medications has altered the behavior and physiology of fish and aquatic organisms. Pharmaceuticals enter our wastewater from a variety of sources including the flushing of unused medications. A nationwide study done in 1999 and 2000 by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) found low levels of drugs such as antibiotics, hormones, contraceptives and steroids in 80% of the rivers and streams tested.
Fish and other aquatic wildlife are being adversely affected.
A number of studies have shown impacts on aquatic life. For example, male fish have been feminized (produced eggs) when exposed to hormones (birth control pills). Other drugs, such as anti-depressants and beta-blockers, reduce fertility or affect spawning in certain aquatic organisms. Drug-resistant bacteria might develop. Long-term exposure to low levels of antibiotics might result in the evolution of, or selection for, drug-resistant microbes and bacteria.
This is a news release taken from the NYS DEC's website - (www.dec.ny.gov - Proper disposal of household prescriptions and over the counter drugs).
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