RI panel studying pharmaceutical pollution

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Rhode Island lawmakers want to know if the state can prevent pharmaceuticals from polluting the state's water supply.

A commission studying the problem is set to meet Wednesday at the Statehouse. It includes lawmakers and representatives from health and environmental agencies.

The group was created to recommend ways to reduce pharmaceutical contamination, which occurs when drugs taken by humans are passed into the water supply with wastewater.

The state cites a 2002 study that found 80 percent of the streams sampled in 30 states had amounts of prescription and non-prescription drugs, steroids or reproductive hormones.

The commission is expected to report its findings to the Senate by next March.