When antidepressant pills get flushed down the drain, they do more than create happier sewers.
Scientists in Erie, Pennsylvania, have found that minute concentrations of fluoxetine, the active ingredient in Prozac, are killing off microbial populations in the Great Lakes.
Traces of antidepressants such as Prozac have been found in both drinking and recreational water supplies throughout the world, in quantities experts say are too dilute to affect humans but which have been found to damage the reproductive systems of mollusks and may even affect the brains of animals like fish.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2011/05/11052-prozac-drugs-water-great-lakes-erie/
So, knowing I am ingesting Prozac every time I quench my thirst. I decided to do a little research on the stuff. Found this little tidbit:
Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect with SSRIs. Specifically, side effects often include difficulty becoming aroused, erectile dysfunction, lack of interest in sex, and anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm). Genital anesthesia,[8] loss of or decreased response to sexual stimuli, and ejaculatory anhedonia are also possible. Although usually reversible, these sexual side effects can last for months, years, or permanence after the drug has been completely withdrawn.[9] This is known as Post SSRI Sexual Dysfunction.
Now, I know how to counter the Prozac flushings, but somehow I don't think many little blue pills will make it into our sewer systems. At least not in their original form. But if they do find Viagra in the Great Lakes, let me be the first to rename
Too diluted to effect humans. Right. Are Viagra sales higher along the Great Lakes?
I've been to Erie Pa., and if I lived there, I would be on Prozac too.
Still waiting for our friggin marina to launch our boat. Somehow we were skipped over on the "list". Might be time to change my attitude towards marina owners. The meek will NOT inherit the earth. They will get skipped over. Bastards.
I need more tap water!
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