[Pharmwaste] FW: FYI, pharm in water

[Reibstein, Rick (ENV)]

>From a safe drinking water newsletter
(http://www.safedrinkingwater.com/subscribe/subscribe.htm)



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 18, 2006
 

GOVERNOR RENDELL ANNOUNCES STUDY TO PROTECT DRINKING WATER SOURCES Goal
is to Determine Presence of Unregulated Compounds, Identify Treatment
Alternatives
 
HARRISBURG - Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the state's
partnership with the federal government on a landmark study that will
determine the occurrence and concentration of unregulated compounds,
such as prescription and non-prescription chemicals, in the waters of
central Pennsylvania.
 
"Safe drinking water is essential," Governor Rendell said. "This study
represents the first step in protecting public health: documenting the
existence and significance of any potential threats."
 
"Previous studies in parts of Pennsylvania and from around the world
suggest that minute concentrations of unregulated chemicals may occur in
our water sources. The effects of these compounds at trace levels on
public health and aquatic life have not been determined. But when it
comes to our health and the maintenance of trust in such an essential
piece of public infrastructure, we cannot afford to wait."
 
The Department of Environmental Protection launched the joint research
with the Pennsylvania Water Science Center at the U.S. Geologic Survey
in February. Sampling will be conducted on a quarterly basis, leading to
a final report in 2007.
 
Thousands of prescription and non-prescription chemicals are used by
humans and farm animals every year.
 
Recent research has revealed that pharmaceuticals are present in the
environment as a result of improper disposal of regulated drugs and
excretion of metabolized and unmetabolized drugs into sanitary sewers.
 
Other studies indicate an increasing frequency in the detection of these
compounds, likely due to a growing awareness among the scientific
community, population growth and the constant development of new drugs.
 
The primary objective of this new research is to screen for
pharmaceutical and antibiotic compounds present in streams and
groundwater in south central Pennsylvania, and then to determine their
concentrations. This reconnaissance study also will suggest the sources
of the compounds and determine seasonal variations in their
concentrations.
 
"We need to better understand whether the chemicals we are using to
improve our health and agricultural practices may have unexpected
consequences," DEP Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "The information
will be used to assess any potential public-health risks and guide
future policy to ensure our drinking water supplies meet the cleanest,
safest standards."
 
The study was commissioned at this time because laboratory analytical
methods are only now evolving to detect chemical concentrations in
parts-per-billion or trillion. A part-per-billion can be thought of as
one grain of salt in an Olympic-size swimming pool.
 
The levels of pharmaceuticals found in surface waters by previous
studies were far below daily therapeutic doses of the medications.
 
Although other studies have been done, significant uncertainties remain,
including: synergistic or additive effects of the compounds in
combination, differences in how the compounds may affect aquatic
organisms and humans, and how to eliminate the compounds if necessary.
 
Beginning in 2007, pending funding approval, DEP will initiate a second
phase of the study to expand water sampling across the state and attempt
to determine whether existing treatment technologies are adequate to
remove identified compounds. As the studies progress, DEP will work with
the state Department of Health to determine the human health effects of
any compounds identified in the research.
 
DEP also will work with other state agencies and partners to develop
strategies for collecting and destroying unwanted medications from
consumers. In addition, the department will collaborate on best
management practices for hospitals, pharmacies and others who are
authorized by law to possess controlled substances and prescription
drugs.
 
DEP follows national procedures in the Safe Drinking Water Act for
regulating contaminants in public drinking water supplies. The U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency develops health advisory values that
give an estimate of the acceptable levels for drinking water. EPA has
health advisory values for more than 165 chemicals, 95 of which are for
unregulated chemicals.
 
DEP has opened a dialogue with EPA regional staff to request federal
funding for more research. If approved, the funding would allow DEP to:
Develop thresholds that may be used in assessing the impact on
designated uses (e.g., public water supply use, aquatic life and water
recreation). 
Measure and track the impact of DEP's programs on the occurrence and
concentrations of identified compounds in the environment to further
protect Pennsylvania's drinking water sources. 
Train Pennsylvania's water system operators and administrators about
this issue.
For more information, visit DEP's Web site at www.depweb.state.pa.us,
Keyword: "Water Quality Standards.
 

-Ruth Alfasso
Department of Public Health
(617) 624-5757