NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo has announced a settlement with five health care facilities accused of flushing pharmaceutical waste.
Cuomo announced the settlement with the two hospitals and three nursing homes Tuesday. The facilities were accused of flushing painkillers, antibiotics, antidepressants, hormones and other pharmaceuticals, putting about 9 million people's drinking water at risk.
The facilities are located north of the New York City and within its watershed.
The Associated Press reported in 2008 that the drinking water of at least 51 million Americans contains minute concentrations of a multitude of drugs. Water utilities, replying to an AP questionnaire, acknowledged the presence of dozens of drugs in their supplies.
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