Prozac Linked To Reproductive Failure In OH Freshwater Mussels

[hatrack]

EDIT

A new study by scientists at the federal government's Hollings Marine Laboratory in South Carolina shows that even minute amounts of Prozac cause female freshwater mussels to release larvae early, dooming them because they cannot live on their own. The research, discussed yesterday at the annual American Chemical Society meeting in San Francisco, has disturbing implications for an ambitious program to restore endangered mussels to many Ohio streams, including the Big Darby Creek and the Scioto River.

"People have suggested the drug connection. The same thing has been suggested for fish. There's no reason why mussels should be exempted," said Tom Watters, an Ohio State University biologist who is directing the reintroduction program. "Those types of things are getting into the (sewage) system, and people haven't thought about them because the quantities are so small."

In the study, scientists placed freshwater mussels into water containing between 0.3 and 3,000 parts per million of Prozac and, within 48 hours, the creatures had released their larvae. "The results from this study were quite alarming," said Rebecca Heltsley, a scientist working on the project, in a statement.

In related research, University of Georgia scientists found that trace amounts of Prozac found in fish and frogs delay development.

EDIT

http://www.columbusdispatch.com/science/science.php?story=211760

[gully]

1. Prozac also has a very long "half life" so I wonder how many

pregnant mothers may have lingering effects - if this is an issu for humans?