Feature
When it comes to human birth ratios, the impact is not
immediately apparent, because the end result is a healthy
bundle of joy — albeit a girl that might have otherwise,
without hormone disruption in utero, been a boy. Recent
studies, as well as observations in the wild, can serve as
the proverbial canary in the coal mine in
warning us of a developing and disturbing worldwide trend.
Theo Colborn, a professor of zoology
at the University of Florida and a leading voice on EDCs (In fact, she coined
the term "endocrine disruptor" in 1991),
noted the correlation between animals
and humans: "In the animals, it was
at the population level that we really
began to realize what was going on. If
we're going to wait to see population
effects for all of these concerns that we
have in the human population, it's going
to be too late."2
If high occurrence of PPCPs is already suspected or
known by local officials, utilities may want to preempt
regulatory actions by the EPA and adopt one of the aforementioned treatment techniques deemed most effective. At
the very least, they should advise consumers to never flush
unused pharmaceuticals down the toilet,
which was once the recommended disposal technique before the EPA and FDA
got wise.
While a complete understanding
of the effects of PPCPs and EDCs still
escapes us, common sense suggests that
the continuous, increasing, and haphazard introduction of manmade chemicals
into the environment, especially proven endocrine disruptors, is not without
consequence. Just this year, the World
Health Organization (WHO) and the
United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) acknowledged in a joint study
that "Known EDCs are only the 'tip of the
What's A Water Treatment
iceberg' and more comprehensive testing
The volume — and impact — of pharmaceuticals
Professional To Do?
entering the water supply is of increasing methods are required to identify other
While awaiting consensus from the scien- concern.
possible endocrine disruptors."11 In other
tific community or regulations from the
words, the impacts are likely worse than
EPA, there are steps that drinking water treatment facilities we realize. The study concluded that, "As science continues
can take to protect their customers from dangerous PPCPs. to advance, it is time for both management of endocrine
The AP notes in its report that, "One technology, reverse disrupting chemicals and further research on exposure and
osmosis, removes virtually all pharmaceutical contami- effects of these chemicals in wildlife and humans."
nants."
It may be too late for the boys that never were, but it's
A 2009 report published by the University of New a step in the right direction for the sons and daughters —
Mexico (UNM) echoed the endorsement of reverse osmo- especially the sons — of the future.
sis, while also finding that activated carbon (both powder
and granular) is "highly effective in removing most targeted References
compounds to a high degree."10 The UNM study further 1. http://www.anh-usa.org/chemicals-in-your-home-are-toxic/
2. http://thetyee.ca/News/2013/06/17/Gender-Bending-Chemicals/
acknowledged the ability of advanced oxidation processes 3. Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Jun;115(6):941-6. Epub 2007 Apr 9.
(AOPs) such as ozone and UV/H2O2 (ultraviolet radiation 4. http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2008/disappearingmale/
in the presence of hydrogen peroxide) to completely oxi- infertility.html
5. http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Endocrine+Disruptor
dize many targeted PPCPs and EDCs.
6. Environ Sci Technol. 2011 Jan 1;45(1):51-60. doi: 10.1021/es1014482. Epub
On the flipside, UNM reported that most conven- 2010 Oct 26.
tional oxidants, namely chlorine, are not very effective 7. http://hosted.ap.org/specials/interactives/pharmawater_site/
8. Environ Health Perspect. 2005 Oct;113(10):1295-8.
at degrading PPCP compounds. The AP goes one step 9. Endocrine Reviews March 14, 2012 er.2011-1050
farther, warning, "There's evidence that adding chlorine, 10. "State of Knowledge of Pharmaceutical, Personal Care Product, and
Endocrine Disrupting Compound Removal during Municipal Wastewater
a common process in conventional drinking water treat- Treatment," April 17, 2009. Carson O. Lee, Dr. Kerry J. Howe, P.E., BCEE,
ment plants, makes some pharmaceuticals more toxic."
Dr. Bruce M. Thomson, P.E.
Because PPCPs are so pervasive, with different properties 11. WHO/PCS/EDC/02.2
that may require different treatment strategies, it's unrealistic
Kevin Westerling has served as the editor of Water Online, the
to expect to completely eliminate them from our environInternet's premier source for water and wastewater solutions,
since 2008. Kevin's education includes a bachelor's degree
ment and drinking water any time soon. The focus, then,
in English Literature, a minor in Journalism, and certification
should be on identifying and removing the most harmful
as a Web Content Developer. He can be reached at
editor@wateronline.com.
among them. Water utilities should urge the EPA to not only
consider the latest studies, but aslo to conduct many more in
determining a strategy for the mitigation of PPCPs.
10
wateronline.com
■
Water Online The Magazine