from staff
The state’s Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Health are responding to the recent news of chemical traces in city water supplies by reminding Floridians to properly dispose of unwanted medications and pharmaceuticals with household trash rather than down the toilet or a drain.
“Proper disposal of unwanted medications helps protect Florida’s residents and visitors as well as our natural resources,” said DEP Secretary Michael Sole. “We will continue to work with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Geological Survey to study emerging chemicals and develop new criteria so that we can continue to ensure safe water for generations to come.”
Many medications contain compounds, also known as microconstituents, that may be found in very low concentrations in surface water, groundwater, domestic and industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, reclaimed water and other sources.
This week, the Associated Press reported that 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, although utilities insist the waters are safe.
“While the issue of pharmaceuticals and personal care products in water is not new, current media coverage on the topic may prompt concern among consumers,” said Florida Surgeon General Ana Viamonte Ros. “So far, these chemicals have been found at extremely low concentrations and current research has not demonstrated an impact on human health at the trace levels at which they have been found.”
The amount of microconstituents can be reduced by properly disposing of unwanted medications, the state departments say. While flushing them down the toilet or a drain prevents immediate accidental ingestion, it can impact our environment because many wastewater treatment systems, including septic tanks, are not designed to remove many of these medications.
To properly dispose of unwanted household medications, the state recommends:
• Keep medicines in the original container to help identify the contents if accidentally ingested.
• Mark out your name and prescription number for safety.
• For pills, add water or soda to start dissolving them. For liquids, add something inedible like cat litter, dirt or cayenne pepper.
• Close the lid and secure with duct or packing tape.
• Place the bottle(s) inside an opaque container like a coffee can or plastic laundry bottle, tape that container closed and hide the container in the trash — not in the recycle bin.
Disposal of unwanted medications from commercial facilities such as pharmacies, medical facilities and veterinary operations are subject to different regulations than those that apply to medications for household uses. Those commercial facilities should contact DEP’s Division of Waste Management for guidance.
For more information, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/medications/default.htm.