The US-based Environmental Working Group (EWG) found more than 300 animals have been contaminated with “perpetual chemicals” worldwide.
EWG uses first-of-its-kind maps to show how per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that are resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s biomonitoring program — pose a threat for wildlife.
Forever chemicals do not break down over time, and so they remain in the soil, air and water and are dangerous.
According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, PFAS are “ingredients in everyday products. They are used to keep food from sticking to packaging or cookware, make clothes and carpets stain-resistant, and make firefighting foams more effective.
Researchers have found chemicals in several species such as scorpions, pandas, Siberian tigers, turtles, horses, dogs, plankton, sea lions, wild boars, otters and clams. EWG scientist David Andrews told The Guardian the extent of the “sobering” contamination.
The effects of these chemicals in animals are generally not studied but in humans they are linked to some cancers, thyroid disease, reduced fertility, developmental delays, liver damage and high cholesterol. Sign of Science.
Some research has found a link to autoimmune disorders in some alligators and some turtles.
“From country to country, across continents, PFAS pollution is everywhere. No matter the location, no matter the species, almost every time we test, we find contamination from these toxic chemicals. And the EWG map reflects what we know today – because levels of PFAS pollution, wildlife in many other locations around the world could be contaminated,” the EWG said.
In South Africa, two studies have reported the presence and concentration of PFAS in river water and sediment.
This suggests that more research is needed on these pollutants and their occurrence in South African water sources and sediments for a better understanding, according to the researchers.
A 2020 study showed that concentrations of PFAS were found in the Roodeplaat and Hartbeespoort dams.
Gabriella Leighton, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Rhodes, and Jacqueline Bishop, a lecturer in conservation biology at the University of Cape Town, said caracals, which are Cape Town’s largest predator, are in “perpetual chemical” danger because of their diet. Most feed on wild species such as guinea fowl and vlei rats, which may be contaminated.
“Caracals hunting in the vineyards of Cape Town, where the season is abundant, is also likely to be exposed to a cocktail of highly toxic anticoagulant rodenticides.”
The authors say that many animals have adapted to cities around the world and force them to come into contact with invisible pollutants.
“To make cities around the world safer and cleaner, the use of ‘permanent chemicals’ must be reduced in line with existing international agreements. Citizens can also reduce their own pesticide use, especially the use of rat poison. Cleaning urban wetlands and restoring them can be a way which is good for removing pollutants from the environment.
Humans can come into contact with PFAS by drinking contaminated water, consuming food that may be contaminated with PFAS or even clothing that may contain traces of PFAS.
“With concerns about the presence of harmful chemicals like PFAS and BPA growing globally, clothing and textile manufacturers must ensure that their products remain in compliance with relevant regulations in their target markets” says one of the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification companies.
The EWG also said regulatory measures are needed to protect wildlife from PFAS contamination.
In the US, federal agencies have committed to eliminating PFAS pollution by blocking industrial discharges. But many of these actions have been delayed and may not be effective for years. The EWG says some states are already addressing PFAS pollution instead of waiting for the federal government to do so.