Our Troubled Waters March 6, 2010 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Registration and Exhibits at 9:30 AM) Willey Hall, University of Minnesota 225 19th Ave. S.
Moderator: Peter Starzynski, Coordinator, Healthy Legacy Coalition Speakers: Kathy Lee, Hydrologist and Biologist, US Geological Survey Dr. David Wallenga, Institute of Agriculture and Trade Policy Paul Gardner, Minnesota State Representative 53A
Come and Learn about:
Emerging concerns--chemicals entering our water system
An emerging water quality concern is the detection of
chemicals from pharmaceuticals and personal care products that are not
effectively treated by wastewater treatment plants or septic systems. These
chemicals, called endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), mimic or block normal
hormonal function in animals and humans. Many of these compounds are being
found in our streams, lakes and aquifers and have also been found in treated
drinking water in homes throughout the nation.
A study along the Mississippi River from Bemidji to the Iowa
border found feminization (presence of female egg yolk protein) of male fish at
approximately 50% of all sampling sites that correlated to detected levels of
endocrine disrupting compounds.
Concerns about health risks of these varied chemicals
include a lack of understanding about the risks of cumulative lifetime
exposures and concentrations in sensitive subpopulations such as children, as
well as the effects of complex mixtures and possible synergistic effects of
these compounds. There is growing evidence that chemical mixtures can act
collectively to cause adverse effects, even when each component is below its
individual effect level.
Individuals can make a difference in keeping these compounds
out of wastewater and water resources by making informed choices about products
to use and by properly disposing of unused pharmaceuticals.
Following this event, participants are encouraged to attend the Women and Water Rights: Rivers of Regeneration art exhibition and events at the nearby Katherine E. Nash Gallery, 405 21st Ave. S. http://womenandwater.net
The League of Women Voters Minneapolis along with many partners including the Freshwater Society, Healthy Legacy Coalition, Clean Water Action and the Women's Environmental Institute are sponsoring a series of symposia on water in March, April and May 2010. The forums are being held in Minneapolis and will be free and open to the public. The forums will be solutions based, giving citizens information about how and why they should take action to protect water resources.
