Britain’s tap water should be monitored for powerful medicines after traces of cancer and psychiatric drugs were detected in samples, a report has warned.
Trace levels of bleomycin, a cancer chemotherapy drug, and diazepam, a sedative, have been found during tests on drinking water.
A 100-page statement, commissioned by the drinking water watchdog, the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI), reveals that drugs are finding their way into the water supply despite extensive purification treatments used by water companies.
A separate study carried out at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, revealed that toxic chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer patients are being washed into Britain’s rivers through sewage. They are calling for testing of tap water to ensure there is no risk to people.
Source: The Telegraph, 13 January 2008
Chapter: Cancer :: 6 February 2008
