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| - Last Updated on July 22, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
An Instagram post claims that birth control pills are a major source of oestrogen in the water supply. We did the fact check to term it as Mostly False.
The Claim
We found an Instagram post which suggests that birth control pills are a significant contributor to oestrogen levels in the water supply. The claimant further states that this is causing feminisation in men and masculinisation in women.
Fact Check
What are birth control pills?
Birth control pills, or oral contraceptives, are medications that help prevent pregnancy. They contain synthetic forms of hormones, primarily oestrogen and progestin, which regulate the menstrual cycle and prevent ovulation. These hormones are excreted in urine and can enter the sewage system.
Is there oestrogen in the water supply?
Yes, oestrogen can be found in water supplies. It is an endocrine disruptor and can lead to adverse effects on both human health and wildlife. Oestrogen in water can come from various sources, including pharmaceuticals, agricultural runoff, and natural excretion from humans and animals.
How much oestrogen is in my tap water?
The concentration of oestrogen in tap water is usually very low. Studies show that the levels of synthetic oestrogen from oral contraceptives are even lower in comparison to other sources. For example, sewage treatment plants can remove most of the oestrogen before it reaches the water supply. According to the Environmental Health News, while oestrogens are detectable in water, the concentrations are generally low and regulated to minimise health risks.
Is it true that birth control pills are a major source of oestrogen in our water supply?
No, birth control pills are not the major source of oestrogen in our water supply. Even though oral contraceptives do contribute to oestrogen levels in water, they are not a significant source. A 2022 study shows that birth control pills account for less than 1% of the oestrogen in drinking water supplies.
According to the American Chemical Society, the primary sources of oestrogen in water are natural oestrogens from humans and animals, and agricultural runoff. For instance, animal manure, which contains natural oestrogens, is a significant contributor when used untreated as fertiliser. Research cited in the study suggests that animal waste alone could account for up to 90% of the oestrogen found in the environment.
Moreover, the synthetic oestrogen in birth control pills, 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE2), is effectively removed by sewage treatment processes. According to a 2011 study, the predicted concentrations of EE2 in drinking water are significantly lower than those of natural oestrogens from other sources.
Additionally, all humans excrete hormones, not just women on the pill. This includes men, children, and pregnant women, who contribute to the overall oestrogen load in wastewater.
Dr Saumya, a Gynaecologist, at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Patna, states, “Birth control pills do release oestrogen into the water, but they are not the primary source. Natural excretions from humans and animals, along with agricultural runoff, contribute much more significantly. Modern sewage treatment effectively removes most synthetic oestrogen from contraceptives.”
Nidhi Singh, Environmental Researcher, says, “Birth control pills do contribute to the presence of estrogen in the water supply, but they are not the major source. Studies have shown that synthetic estrogens from birth control pills do end up in wastewater, but natural estrogens from other sources such as human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, and certain industrial processes also contribute significantly. In fact, natural estrogens and other endocrine-disrupting compounds often contribute more to water contamination than synthetic estrogens from contraceptives.”
She further informs, “Advanced wastewater treatment processes can remove many of these compounds, but not all. Improving these processes and reducing agricultural runoff are essential steps to addressing estrogen contamination in the water supply.”
Other major sources of oestrogen in water
Studies have shown that natural oestrogens from agricultural runoff are a significant source of environmental contamination. According to the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), agricultural practices involving the use of animal manure as fertiliser release large amounts of natural oestrogens into waterways. This practice is common in many countries, including India, where agriculture plays a central role in the economy.
Thus, natural oestrogens from sources such as soy products and dairy farming also contribute significantly to water contamination. The use of untreated animal waste as fertiliser is particularly concerning because it can directly enter water bodies through runoff during rainfall.
Are oestrogens in water a health concern in India?
In India, water pollution is a significant issue due to various contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, industrial waste, and agricultural runoff. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including oestrogens, in water supplies can pose risks to human health and the environment. The effects of chronic exposure to low levels of oestrogens in water are still being studied, but there is concern about potential impacts on fertility and reproductive health.
How is oestrogen removed from water?
Water treatment plants employ various methods to remove contaminants, including oestrogens, from water supplies. Techniques such as activated carbon filtration, ozonation, and advanced oxidation processes can effectively reduce the levels of endocrine disruptors in water. However, the efficiency of these processes can vary depending on the specific treatment plant and the quality of the incoming water.
According to a 2014 study, advanced water treatment technologies are effective in removing a wide range of pharmaceuticals and hormones, including EE2 from oral contraceptives. This indicates that modern treatment facilities can manage the levels of oestrogens in drinking water to ensure safety for consumers.
Conclusion
The claim that birth control pills are a major source of oestrogen in the water supply is mostly false. Scientific evidence indicates that while oral contraceptives do contribute to oestrogen levels, their impact is minimal compared to other sources such as agricultural runoff and natural human and animal excretion. Sewage treatment plants effectively remove most synthetic oestrogens, further reducing their presence in drinking water. Therefore, it is misleading to blame birth control pills for significant oestrogen contamination in our water supply.
We advise not falling for false claims which rely on fear mongering instead of facts. For instance, we keep coming across claims which say AirPods can cause brain cancer or packaged milk can lead to cancer or bathing incorrectly can increase your stroke risk. But, all these remain unproven and hence largely false.
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