How long have pharmaceuticals been in water?
The presence of pharmaceuticals and other personal care products in water is not new. They likely have been present in water supply sources for as long as such products have been in use. What is new is that advances in laboratory technology have made it possible to detect and measure them at extremely low levels. These lab methods are not widely available and are still experimental and under development. 6. Do pharmaceuticals pose a threat? Recent studies have told us these substances are present, but little is known about the effects on people and the environment. The fact that a substance is detectable does not mean the substance is harmful to humans. Research conducted around the world to date has not identified a health concern associated with pharmaceuticals and consumer products at the minute levels detected in the study. There is a critical need for further studies to determine whether pharmaceuticals and personal care products pose a risk. Research is also needed to identify th
