A U.S. Geological Survey reveals that pouring old prescriptions down the drain can hurt ecosystems.

Flushing unwanted items, including medicine, down the toilet is an act most people in America have done.

Scientists, however, have reported that the increasing amount of pharmaceuticals being poured down drains and flushed in toilets is getting into the water system – endangering people and the environment.

It is for this reason that the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, water districts and sanitation districts are asking their customers not to put drugs down the drain.

The dangers posed

Traces of potentially harmful toxins and pharmaceuticals were found in 96 percent of the public drinking water samples taken from more than two dozen states in a sweeping study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey. The most prevalent drugs found included pain killers, hormones, steroids and antibiotics.

Health experts warn that exposure to some of these chemicals can cause a bacterial resistance to antibiotics in water animals such as frogs and fish that live in shallow waters where these toxins have been found. Other side effects could include reproductive, fertility and behavioral problems, according to the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts.

In addition, sewage and wastewater treatment facilities can filter out most solids and contaminants but not all pharmaceutical chemicals.

While it may be impossible to prevent all medications from winding up in the sewage system, there is a way to prevent unused drugs from further contaminating public drinking sources.

Proper disposal methods

Most medications that are no longer needed should be taken to a household hazardous waste collection center or event. Many government agencies hold these events several times a year.

Certain drugs, referred to as controlled substances, will need to be placed in trash bins. However, they first need to be placed in containers, treated with water, salt, ashes and/or dirt, then sealed and wrapped in duct tape to prevent leaking.

For details about keeping drugs from being flushed down drains, visit www.nodrugsdownthedrain. org and the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts website at lacsd.org. For more information about household hazard waste collection events, visit ladpw.org.

— Inland Empire Utilities Agency