An Associated Press article the other day tells of a three year analysis of water samples in 30 states, conducted by hydrologists with the U.S. Geologic Survey, for 95 common compounds, an emerging class known as pharmaceutical and personal care pollutants. What they found was that the nation's waterways are awash in traces (sounds like an oxymoron, huh?) of chemicals used in beauty aids and medicine, foods and cleansers.

Particular substances named include caffeine, contraceptives, painkillers, insect repellent, perfumes and nicotine. The scientists point out these substances  escape regulation and defy municipal wastewater treatment. Long term effects of exposure are unclear, they say. You and I buy and use them, and dispose of them how? Well, how else, down the drain or in the trash.

I suppose it's good to be aware of this, maybe reduce or be careful with the more toxic of these household items. Yet, one wonders about the value of some studies like this - is the main value to the scientists' budget?  And will special interests use this as a red herring to distract regulators and legislators from the issue of large scale pollution in concentrated areas by industry?  I hope not.

posted March 18 - July 23, 2002