Sunday, April 19, 2009

AP IMPACT: Tons of released drugs taint US water

Sent from Express News
U.S. manufacturers, including major drugmakers, have legally released at least 271 million pounds of pharmaceuticals into waterways that often provide drinking water - contamination the federal government has consistently overlooked, according to an Associated Press investigation.

Hundreds of active pharmaceutical ingredients are used in a variety of manufacturing, including drugmaking: For example, lithium is used to make ceramics and treat bipolar disorder; nitroglycerin is a heart drug and also used in explosives; copper shows up in everything from pipes to contraceptives.
By JEFF DONN, MARTHA MENDOZA and JUSTIN PRITCHARD Associated Press Writers

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