Stewardship Tip Oct 13th, 2009- Medicine Disposal
Researchers generally accept the notion that exposure to natural and synthetic hormones can disrupt animal reproduction and development by modulating, mimicking, or interfering with normal hormonal function. As scientists at the USGS have noted, “intersex, the presence of both male and female characteristics within the same fish, is being observed in fish in more streams across the nation.”
It is difficult to determine the exact cause of endocrine disruption. However, in a recent study of the Boulder Creek Watershed, scientists found a diverse set of pharmaceuticals and organic wastewater chemicals in water samples. They noted, moreover, that “native fish populations were found to exhibit endocrine disruption, including low male-to-female sex ratio and fish having both female and male reproductive organs (gonadal intersex).”
We can help keep pharmaceuticals out of our streams and rivers. Never flush unused or expired medications down the toilet. This places them right in the watershed! Dumping them in the trash is not a viable alternative, either. In a landfill, medications can dissolve, possibly leach into the soil, and potentially pollute our ground water.
Rather than dumping your unused meds down the toilet, take them to a collection site. Many pharmacies have take back programs; some states and municipalities accept them at HHW collection sites, check for locations at earth911.com.
Groups that collect medicines submit them to be incinerated. Incineration is, currently, the most environmentally safe technology for the disposal of medications. The process is highly regulated by the EPA, minimizes the contamination of air particles, and, most importantly, keeps medications out of our streams, rivers, and lakes.
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This week’s sponsor-partner:Fishy Kid
Fishy Kid was started by two fathers that wanted to their part to pass along the virtues of the outdoors to their children as well as
to families within the on-line, angling community.
Their partnership helps make this week’s Stewardship Tip possible.
In addition to their partnership to sponsor this week’s Stewardship Tip, we would like to thank them for sponsoring the Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish a Thon.
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