[Pharmwaste] FW: Pharmwaste Digest, Vol 24, Issue 14 re dog parks
Andria Ventura
aventura at cleanwater.org
Mon Oct 29 20:43:32 EDT 2007
I have to weigh in on this since I bring my miniature schnauzer to the park
regularly, and he is on thyroid medication. The truth is that whether at a
dog park or just going down the street, the urine from pets may end up
either in the waste or storm water stream. But I would suspect that much
of it sinks into soil and since it is dispersed, I'm not sure how much of
an impact that would have on groundwater. While I agree with some of the
comments already posted that this may not be our biggest priority, I do
think that we need to be concerned about what happens to the unfinished meds
that pet owners dispose of improperly. Animal owners and veterinarians must
be reminded to treat these products in the same fashion that we are asking
them to do with human drug products and they should be included in take back
programs as well. I suspect that many people don't think of these products
as the same as human drugs.
I'm not trying to belittle the impacts of the millions of companion animals
on our environment, which not only include phramcueticals, but over use of
pesticide flea treatments and bacteria from feces that enter ground and
surface water as well. However, let's face it, the amount of urine coming
out of a dog is much less than your average cow or horse, so a dog park is
much less of a threat than a factory farm or feed lot. That said, I am a
bit concerned with the way my own city (San Jose, CA) is building dog parks.
The few that we have (and they are pretty small), have artificial turf that
allows for the urine to drain into the soil below. I'm not sure if that
means that what is drained is collecting underneath, instead of evaporating
(I realize that evaporation doesn't remove the drug products). There have
also been reports that the chemicals in artificial turf can be problems in
and of themselves and since they are cleaned regularly by the Parks Dept., I
wonder about cleaning chemicals sinking into ground water or washing down
the storm drains. And, of course, I don't think the dog likes it as much as
the real thing.
While, as I've said, I don't think of this as a priority, I appreciate that
the problem has been brought up. We certainly need to consider a wide
variety of pathways by which pharmaceuticals are entering our waste water
systems and water resources.
-----Original Message-----
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of
pharmwaste-request at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2007 3:40 PM
To: pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: Pharmwaste Digest, Vol 24, Issue 14
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Today's Topics:
1. RE: Pharmwaste from Dog Parks? (Barry Fernandez)
2. RE: Pharmwaste from Dog Parks? (Bloom, Raanan)
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Message: 1
Date: Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:32:12 -0400
From: "Barry Fernandez" <Barry at clean-fuels.net>
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
To: "Waters, Tom" <twaters at seminolecountyfl.gov>, "Eddie Becker"
<eddie_becker at yahoo.com>, <Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us>
Message-ID:
<5761487EDEA23445AAE9E0C3D85A5FA104180B at cleanfuels02.Clean-Fuels.local>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
I have to agree with Tom here.
Even if you successfully collect it, there's no meaningful way to treat
it.
In the grand scheme of pollutants, I think medicated dog park urine is
probably the literal drop in the bucket.
When you consider the research, development and implementation (if it
ever makes it that far) the money could be more wisely spent on
stormwater runoff that rinses the streets into the same streams and
rivers victimized by dog Prozac.
An alternative would be to make all dog parks available only to drug
free canines.
Our Maltese has me considering medication... for myself.
Best Regards,
Barry
Clean Fuels of Florida, Inc.
D. Barry Fernandez, President
2635 NE 4th Avenue
Pompano Beach, FL 33064
Tel: 954-791-9588
Fax: 954-791-9366
Toll Free: 800-725-8711
barry at clean-fuels.net
www.clean-fuels.net
________________________________
From: Waters, Tom [mailto:twaters at seminolecountyfl.gov]
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:02 PM
To: Eddie Becker; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
Well, this isn't going to be a real popular response. However, I
personally feel that runoff from dog parks is a real stretch. My points
of concern include:
* How would you propose collecting urine in a "park?" Are you
going to pave it with everything sloped to drains? So much for green
space.
* Then you're going to have to cover it to keep the rainwater from
discharging to the sanitary sewer. Now we have a dog pole barn - not a
park.
* From everything I have seen there is not a treatment system that
will remove medications in wastewater treatment plants; at least a a
reasonable cost. If such systems were availalbe we wouldn't be
preaching not to flush unwanted medications.
* For what it's worth, I don't think there is a real comparison
between dog parks and feed lots. There's not much room on a feed lot
for the cattle to run.
* What about the cost? It is tough enough to get land for a dog
park.
The town I live in (not work in) has a temporary dog park with a big
push toward building a permanent one. There is no doubt in my mind that
if a system to collect and treat urine was required it would be dropped
like smelly dog pooh.
I know I am way off base with many of you, but I think there is a lot
more to be done, before we worry about dog parks.
Tom Waters
PS - Now I'm feeling bad because my rescued lab has to get cortisone
shots for allergies and the shots make him drink more water and the
water makes him urinate more. (Please do not send me your alternative
solutions to the cortisone shots - I have enough already.)
________________________________
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 4:18 PM
To: Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
Does anyone know of any environmental or pharmaceutical testing at dog
parks or dog runs. I am working on dog park regulations and since dogs
are probably the second most medicated species (everything from
antibiotics to Prozac) - it seems prudent to recommend the appropriate
disposal of urine in dog parks, rather then letting it flow untreated
into steams and rivers. Any pointers would be much appreciated.
Eddie Becker
Washington, DC
-****Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written
communications to or from State and Local Officials and employees are
public records available to the public and media upon request. Seminole
County policy does not differentiate between personal and business
emails. E-mail sent on the County system will be considered public and
will only be withheld from disclosure if deemed confidential pursuant to
State Law.****-
-****Florida has a very broad Public Records Law. Virtually all written
communications to or from State and Local Officials and employees are
public records available to the public and media upon request. Seminole
County policy does not differentiate between personal and business
emails. E-mail sent on the County system will be considered public and
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Message: 2
Date: Sun, 28 Oct 2007 18:39:09 -0400
From: "Bloom, Raanan" <Raanan.Bloom at fda.hhs.gov>
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
To: Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Message-ID:
<43F38EE025F1E448BC37D6050C58B6F8017E88B8 at FMD3VS012.fda.gov>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Veterinary drugs for companion animals are regulated by FDA's Center for
Veterinary Medicine (http://www.fda.gov/cvm/
<BLOCKED::http://www.fda.gov/cvm/> ).
Vaccines for animals are regulated by USDA
(http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/
<BLOCKED::http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/vet_biologics/> )
________________________________
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 5:55 PM
To: Volkman, Jennifer; Nancy Busen; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
Jennifer you have good reason to be concerned about the health of your
pet.
The pharmaceuticals that go into food producing animals (poultry, beef,
swine, etc) are regulated but pharmaceuticals that go into companion
animals (cats, dogs, birds etc.) are hardly regulated at all. Which was
also the case with animal food - hence little or no regulation of pet
food prior to the big melamine pet food scandal.
Because of lack of oversight, it is difficult to get a handle on the
quantity of pharmaceuticals ingested by dogs. But circumstantial
evidence suggests high and growing usage.
According to the 2007-2008 National Pet Owners Survey,
There are 74.8 million dogs in the U.S and 88.3 million cats.
And for the total number of pets, (dogs, cats, birds, fish, etc.) the
U.S. spend $9.2 billion on Vet Care and $9.3 billion on Supplies and
Over the Counter medicine. Compiled by the American Pet Products
Manufacturers Association,
http://www.appma.org/press_industrytrends.asp
"Volkman, Jennifer" <Jennifer.Volkman at state.mn.us> wrote:
I have heard that veterinarian pharms are regulated differently
than those used for humans, in that full disclosure of ingredients is
not required. For example, we've been able to relatively easily research
and summarize the amount of mercury present in flu vaccines produced by
different manufacturers. The same information is not publicly available
for animal vaccines. I think my dog has a mild form of autism... We
just got our first dog and I never thought about it before earlier this
week when I was reviewing mercury in flu vaccines. I specify
mercury-free for the kids but not the dog, I feel like a bad mother!
There are probably parallels to studies of animal feedlots? I
think I've seen a few of those studies on this list serv. Maybe
different pharms, but good info on migration to surface and ground
water?
-----Original Message-----
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
Sent: Friday, October 26, 2007 2:12 PM
To: Nancy Busen; Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: RE: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
Dear Nancy, As a dog lover myself, who wants to do the
right thing, I hear what you are saying. I support dog parks and think
they could be part of the solution. Sending dog park runoff to waste
treatment plants that eventually will remove the more environmentally
disruptive pharmaceutical pollutants is a better solution then letting
dog park runoff flow untreated into steams and rivers
But as far as I can tell. No one has yet tested
established dog park run off for pharmaceuticals! So right now my
hypothesis is just that.
A useful list of pharmaceuticals routinely used on
companion animals, can be found at a site owned and operated by
practicing veterinarians.
Below is a list of conditions treated with various
drugs, the long list can be viewed if you follow the URL below
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303
Summary of Subcategories: In Companion animal drug use
from
http://www.peteducation.com/category_summary.cfm?cls=0&Cat=1303
* Administering Drugs & Nutraceuticals
* Antibiotics
* Antidotes
* Antifungal Medications
* Antihistamines
* Antiprotozoal Medications
* Anti-inflammatories (non-steroids)
* Behavior Modification Medications
* Central Nervous System Medications
* Digestive Tract, Liver, and Pancreas Medications
* Diuretics ('Water Pills')
* Ear & Skin Medications
* Eye (Ophthalmic) Medications
* Flea - Tick - External Parasite Treatments
* Heart & Blood Pressure Medications
* Heartworm Preventives and Treatments
* Hormones - Endocrine - Reproduction-related
Treatments
* Immune System - Anti-cancer Treatments
* Pain Relievers
* Respiratory System Treatments
* Urinary Tract & Kidney Medications
* Wormers and Anti-parasitics
* Vitamins - Minerals - Electrolytes -
Nutraceuticals
Additional Articles:
* Compounding Medications
* Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or Nursing Cats
* Drugs to Avoid in Pregnant or Nursing Dogs
* Generic Medications
* Veterinarians Allowed to Prescribe 'Extra-label'
Drugs
Nancy Busen <NBusen at bentonvillear.com> wrote:
I work with a dog rescue and the mere thought of
this makes me smile. We are pooper scoopers but I'm going to have to try
to envision an alternative for urine! Thanks for the day brightener!
We are however, working on a program for our
county and ultimately the state of Arkansas to get the unused pharms out
of circulation.
Let me know how it works out with the dogs.
Nancy Busen
City of Bentonville
Lab/Pretreatment Supervisor
1901 N.E. 'A' Street
Bentonville, AR 72712
479-271-3160
Fax: 479-271-3163
Protect Tomorrow, TODAY
________________________________
From: pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us
[mailto:pharmwaste-bounces at lists.dep.state.fl.us] On Behalf Of Eddie
Becker
Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2007 3:18 PM
To: Pharmwaste at lists.dep.state.fl.us
Subject: [Pharmwaste] Pharmwaste from Dog Parks?
Does anyone know of any environmental or
pharmaceutical testing at dog parks or dog runs. I am working on dog
park regulations and since dogs are probably the second most medicated
species (everything from antibiotics to Prozac) - it seems prudent to
recommend the appropriate disposal of urine in dog parks, rather then
letting it flow untreated into steams and rivers. Any pointers would be
much appreciated.
Eddie Becker
Washington, DC
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