Still, scientists say increasing drug use could eventually result in more contaminants seeping into the water supply and in higher amounts. Here are the 17 contaminants found in the Conservancy District study:
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• Acetaminophen – the active ingredient in pain medications such as Tylenol
• Atenolol – a drug used to control high blood pressure
• Bisphenol A (BPA) – a compound used primarily to make plastics
• Butalbital – is in a group of drugs called barbiturates and often combined with
acetaminophen to treat tension headaches
• Caffeine – found in a variety of commonly consumed beverages such as coffee, tea, and
colas
• Carbamazepine – a mood stabilizing drug used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy
• Cotinine – is a byproduct of nicotin
• Diazepam (Valium) – a drug commonly used for treating anxiety, insomnia, seizures,
muscle spasms, etc.
• Fluoxetine (Prozac) – used to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders
• Gemfibrozil – a drug used to lower lipid levels and aids in the metabolism of
carbohydrates and fats
• Ibuprofen – an anti-inflammatory drug sold under various tradenames such as Advil and
Motrin
• Iopromide – a contrast agent used in radiographic studies such as intravenous urograms
and CT brain scans
• Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) – was the key ingredient in Scotchgard and has been
used in fire-fighting foams
• Sulfamethoxazole – an antibiotic commonly used to treat urinary tract infections
• Testosterone – the principal male sex hormone and is an anabolic steroid
• Triclosan – antibacterial/antifungal agent used in soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, etc.
• Trimethoprim – an antibiotic used in the treatment of urinary tract infections
Source: Miami Conservancy District
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