Pharmaceuticals found in Atlanta drinking water

A national investigation found pharmaceutical drugs in the drinking water of at least 41 million Americans. Georgians among them.

The study conducted by the Associated Press tested metropolitan areas. It found acetaminophen, caffeine, and cotanine, a human by- product of nicotine in Atlanta’s drinking water.

The AP says the concentrations are small, far below what’s in a medical dose, but some scientists are worried about the long-term consequences to human health. Researchers don’t know exactly what the exposure does to humans, but recent studies have found alarming effects on human cells and wildlife.

Many pharmaceuticals get into the water supply through treated sewage, because current sewage treatment methods don't remove them.