Feeling Safer Yet?
Jun 22nd, 2005 at 10:58 pm by Susie
An obvious question:
Academics, state officials and environmental advocates are starting to question whether massive amounts of discarded pharmaceuticals, which are often flushed down the drain, pose a threat to the nation’s aquatic life and possibly to people.
In waterways from the Potomac to the Brazos River in Texas, researchers have found fish laden with estrogen and antidepressants, and many show evidence of major neurological or physiological changes.
No one has seen evidence of effects on human health, but a number are asking publicly why the federal government is not taking a more aggressive approach to what they see as a looming problem.
***
Thomas White, an environmental consultant for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said industry studies indicate there are “no appreciable human health risks” and no “appreciable impacts on the aquatic environment” linked to drugs in the water.
Well! I feel so much better, now that Big Pharma’s explained to me there’s no problem. Whew…
That “PhRMA” acronym is interesting. Obviously, if they had left out the “h”, it would just be “PRMA”, and people would pronounce it “Parma”. Which reminds me of that great hit of yesteryear, the erstwhile opening theme from The Drew Carey Show, “Moon Over Parma.”
Which makes me think how cool it would be if someone would write a great new version of the song as “Moon Over PhRMA.”
The original song went like this, I believe:
Moon over Parma, bring my love to me tonight,
Bring her to Cleveland underneath your silvery light,
We’re going bowlin’, so don’t lose her in Solon,
Moon over Parma tonight!
Nice catchy tune, and it brings back almost-fond memories of my days as an undergrad in Cleveland. But back to business ….
Moon over PhRMA, feed me drugs, restore my sight,
Give me some pills and everything will be alright,
We rig the studies, the feds are our buddies,
Moon over PhRMA tonight!