High levels of pharmaceutical contaminants were found in the blood & tissues of Redfish in Florida waters by a year-long study conducted by the Florida International University ( FIU ) and Bonefish & Tarpon Trust. Cardiovascular medications, opioid pain relievers, & psychoactive medications were the most commonly detected contaminants. More than half of the Redfish tested had the opioid tramadol & the antiarrhythmic medication flecainide in their systems. About 20% of the red fish samples contained the antipsychotic medication flupentixol above safe levels. Findings of the study show that waterborne pharmaceutical contaminants are a statewide concern in Florida. It was … Continue reading Pharmaceutical Pollution in Florida Waters: A Hidden Threat to Fish and Humans