Alarming toxic ‘forever chemicals’ discovered in UK wildlife
Toxic 'forever chemicals' used in waterproof clothing and food packaging have been found in wildlife across the UK.
According to data gathered by Watershed Investigations and the Marine Conservation Society, the manmade chemicals, known as PFAS, don't break down in the environment.
These chemicals are now being found in animals' tissues and organs, including otters, dolphins and birds.
Dubbed 'forever chemicals' because of their persistence in soil and water, PFAS chemicals are linked to serious health issues in humans and animals, including certain cancers. They've been banned in many uses and are thought to be in the blood of nearly every human.
Long-term impact on wildlife
Perhaps most concerning is the long-term impact on wildlife. These chemicals don't just disappear; they continue accumulating (for thousands of years, in some cases), particularly in animals.
Over time, otters, dolphins, and birds of prey can build up these chemicals in their bodies, seriously harming their health and the balance of their ecosystems.
The data gathered paints a worrying picture.
Otters, for example, were found with PFAS levels as high as 9,962 micrograms per kilogram, while harbour porpoises, grey seals, and dolphins also showed dangerously high concentrations of these chemicals.
Environmental guidelines recommend no more than 9.1μg/kg in fish tissue to protect both predators and humans who eat fish, and many of the sampled animals exceeded this limit by staggering amounts.
PFAS chemicals have also made their way into rivers, soil, and farmland through various routes, including industrial sites, sewage treatment plants, and historical landfills. A Cardiff University study found otters with elevated PFAS levels near old chemical manufacturing plants, clearly showcasing how past industrial activity can potentially damage local wildlife.
Experts around the country are now calling on the government to ban PFAS in all but the most vital uses, before more damage is done.
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