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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Scientists testing the beds of streams around Portland found the residue of the region's medicine cabinets and coffee shops. The list of compounds includes many known by such names as Prozac, Tagamet, Benadryl, and Micatin, as well as the caffeine that makes the Northwest edgy.
The scientists were surprised, and troubled. They say they don't know how the chemicals might affect fish or other life.
Among other things, they worry that antibiotics and other substances could help bacteria and other organisms develop resistance to drugs and pesticides.
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