The Environmental Working Group has published a summary, in the form of a map, of the species known to be exposed to eternal pollutants. These chemicals are very persistent in nature…and dangerous.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have such a long lifespan that they are nicknamed ” eternal pollutants “. Since the 20th century and the explosion of the consumer society, these toxic chemicals have been spreading everywhere in nature… until they are found in high concentrations in the Arctic. The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization, investigated the distribution of these pollutants within global biodiversity.
The work of the organization condenses around a hundred recent studies on PFAS contamination, dedicated both to the places exposed, and in what quantities. From there, EWG has produced a global interactive map of species that have been identified as contaminated with these pollutants.
The result is clearly not glorious: more than 300 species are concerned, including, of course, species that are already on the verge of extinction. There are fish, birds, reptiles (snakes…), amphibians (frogs…), large mammals (horses, whales, pandas, polar bears, tigers) and small mammals (cats, otters, squirrels…) .
“From country to country, and across continents, PFAS pollution is everywhere. »
” From country to country, and across continents, PFAS pollution is everywhere. Regardless of location, regardless of species, almost every time testing is done, we find contamination with these toxic chemicals. “, laments EWG.
What are the effects of eternal pollutants on wildlife?
PFAS are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances — synthetic. It has been found since the first half of the 20th century in products sold commercially ; including clothing and some food packaging. These chemicals are inherently tough—they’re non-stick, or waterproof, or heat-resistant. This is why they strongly persist in nature, in various climatic conditions and ecosystems.
Like most pollutants, PFAS are toxic: this means that they have dangerous effects on the body of living beings, especially in the event of strong and prolonged exposure. Among the effects:
- Immune suppression (the immune system is less effective);
- Increased risk of cancer (particularly of the kidney or testicles);
- Change in the behavior of certain enzymes;
- Increased cholesterol levels;
- Reduced effectiveness of vaccines in humans.
” These potential health issues are of particular concern for endangered or threatened species. “recalls the organization. ” They now have to deal with SPF contamination in addition to other threats to their survival, often caused by industrial development, such as habitat loss and damaged ecosystems. »
In parallel with this publication, the media Le Monde – with the Forever Pollution Project – also published this February 23, 2023 a map of Europe the distribution of PFAS. This survey of several reveals that throughout Europe, “ thousands of websites are contaminated.
Understanding everything at the 6th extinction
What threats weigh on the living? Discover our podcast dedicated to the 6th extinction, narrated by science popularizer Marie Treibert. From the first episode, we embark on the crazy story of the Kakapo, a strange bird threatened with extinction – and whose rescue is perilous:
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