AP probe finds drugs in drinking water

A vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans, an Associated Press investigation shows.

the concentrations of these pharmaceuticals are tiny,

presence of so many prescription drugs — and over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen and ibuprofen — in so much of our drinking water is heightening worries among scientists of long-term consequences to human health.

AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 major metropolitan areas — from Southern California to Northern New Jersey, from Detroit to Louisville, Ky.

How do the drugs get into the water?

People take pills.

Their bodies absorb some of the medication

rest of it passes through and is flushed down the toilet.

researchers do not yet understand the exact risks

which have gone virtually unnoticed

alarming

effects

human cells