Low levels of contaminants found in RI waters

NARRAGANSETT, R.I.(WPRI) - We're learning more about the safety of the water in the Narragansett Bay watershed.  URI professor of oceanography Rainer Lohman completed a study that found evidence of 3 contaminants in the bay, and the major waterways that lead into it.

In addition to triclosan, found in antibacterial soap, flame retardant products commonly used on furniture were also detected.  Alkylphenols were the 3rd contaminant discovered; they come from detergents and can disrupt the hormone systems of fish.

While higher levels of these contaminants could harm fish populations or even people who consume fish, the levels found in the study were relatively low.  Lohman says, "The good news is that the concentrations are not exceedingly high.  Even though we have no standard we assume they are safe." There are no EPA standards for these contaminants so they are not routinely monitored, but Lohman says it wouldn't hurt to cut down on our use of antibacterial soaps.