8 March 2005
The Scottish Executive has been urged by a panel of scientists to initiate a thorough study into the quantity and effect of prescription and non-prescription drugs that are entering the nation's water supply.
According to new research from Glasgow Caledonian University, a disconcerting level of Scots are disposing of unwanted medicines by putting them down the toilet instead of returning unwanted drugs to pharmacies.
The Sunday Herald writes that now researchers are attempting to draw attention as to how these medicines could be entering the food chain through contaminated fish stocks.
Rosemary Fernand, one of the researchers involved in the project, told the Sunday Herald: "We're seeking the Scottish Executive to conduct a complete study on rivers, sewage treatment works, drinking water and biodegradable waste from households to see how big this problem really is."
The Scottish Executive estimates that at least 47 tonnes of unwanted drugs enter either the water system or landfills site each year.
Ms Fernand is currently seeking to identify 14 different medicines within Scotland's water system. Early indications show that there is a build up of drugs, which include anti-depressants and anti-cancer drugs.
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