Puget Sound Orcas so full of pollutants, it's enough to sicken them

[n2doc]

Orcas so full of pollutants, it's enough to sicken them
One chemical lingers despite 30-year-old ban

By LISA STIFFLER
P-I REPORTER

A rare peek at the blubber of local orcas shows that the endangered animals are so contaminated with pollutants that it could be making them sick.

U.S. and Canadian scientists reported Wednesday in the Marine Pollution Bulletin that the amount of PCBs, a long-banned industrial chemical, had slightly declined in the orcas that frequent Puget Sound. But the levels in all nine animals that were sampled were high enough to cause health problems based on earlier research done with captive harbor seals.

Also troubling was the increase in the amount of commonly used flame retardants called PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, which are structurally similar to PCBs and can cause similar ailments.

Scientists were chagrinned to see the PCBs lingering in orcas and other animals despite being banned 30 years ago because of concerns about harm to the environment and health. The chemicals cling to fat and can cause reproductive and immunological problems. Another recent publication predicted that problems from PCB contamination would plague the local orcas for 60 more years at least.

"That's one chemical," said Peter Ross, a co-author for both Wednesday's publication and the earlier research on PCB's legacy.

"Have we learned from that mistake, or are we doing the same thing with PBDEs yet again?"

more:

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/335005_orcas11.html

[gateley]

1. This breaks my heart. I'm from Seattle and LONG to move back as soon as

I can. I think of what a beautiful, unique area it is and home to so many incredible species -- like the majestic Orca.

Thank you for posting this - I'm going to help in any way I can.