The associated press report read like this: a five month investigation has determined that trace amounts of various drugs have seeped into the water supply and a growing body of evidence indicates that it can harm people. Accumulating data also shows that animals that live and drink from streams and lakes are being harmed.
Pharmaceutical drugs in the water are being blamed for reproductive problems in many species of fish. Here are some of the DNA problems showing up: the endangered razorback sucker and male fathead minnow are being found with damaged sperm, also known as feminized fish, some walleyes and carp are producing egg proteins that were only made by females. Female fish have developed male genital organs. Impaired reproduction of mussels and inhibited growth of algae were also observed.
In the Chicago area alone, fish have tested positive for analgesics, antibiotics, antihistamines, blood pressure medicines, and anti-seizure drugs. Earthworms have been discovered to have absorbed these same compounds while even vegetables were discovered to have absorbed antibiotics.
According to the A.P., there is global evidence to confirm that these findings are inescapable, and these contaminants are impacting organisms and wildlife.
Obviously, these trends have far-reaching impact on our survival as a species and as a planet. Stay tuned for further reports. Let's make sure our political leaders keep the environment front and center, of the priorities of our troubled country & planet. Dr. T. 3/31/2008 | 
