The Politics of Water By Dr. Evelyn Higgins

So, one week has passed since the Associated Press report was released describing the pharmaceutical drugs found in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans. Drugs such as sex hormones, anti-consultants, antibiotics, mood stabilizers - to name just a few - were found. Over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen are also included in the tainted drinking water.

What we do know is that this is real. What we don't know is how these small concentrations of drugs will affect our bodies. What happens when we don't need the particular medications, or even say your body does need them, but in different doses? What are the long-term effects, given that we are all being prescribed medications -infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly, alike?

While the Environmental Protection Agency admits to recognizing the growing concern regarding the state of our drinking water, the agency says it is taking the situation seriously - so seriously, that nothing has appeared in the media since the story broke. [more...]