Flame Retardant Chemicals Found in U.S. Coastal Waters and Great Lakes

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(NaturalNews) Toxic flame retarding chemicals are found in all U.S. coastal waters and in the Great Lakes, according to a nationwide survey conducted by the federal Agency for Toxic Substances.

"This is a wake-up call for Americans concerned about the health of our coastal waters and their personal health," said John Dunnigan, assistant administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association's (NOAA's) National Ocean Service. "Scientific evidence strongly documents that these contaminants impact the food web and action is needed to reduce the threats posed to aquatic resources and human health."

The chemicals in question, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were first produced in the 1970s, and have since been banned in a variety of countries across Asia and Europe. Manufacture of most varieties was voluntarily discontinued by companies in the United States, but other kinds are still produced to this day. They are chemically similar to PCBs, which have been banned in the United States and throughout the world.

Studies have indicated that PBDEs accumulate in the blood, body fat and breast milk of humans and other animals, and can be passed from mother to infant. They have been implicated in causing damage to the liver, kidneys and immune system, and to result in impaired neurobehavioral development. Like most persistent organic pollutants, they are especially dangerous to pregnant women and children.

Previously, researchers believed that only a few locations were contaminated with PBDEs. Analysis of date from the 24-year NOAA Mussel Watch Program, however, turned up evidence of contamination in all U.S. coastal waters and the Great Lakes. PBDE levels were highest near urban and industrial centers.

The most contaminated area was the Hudson-Raritan Estuary, which contains the Port of New York and New Jersey. Second was California's Anaheim Bay. Other especially high concentrations were found in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Tampa, Florida; in Lake Michigan near Gary, Indiana; in the Southern California Bight; and in Puget Sound.

Sources for this story include: www.ens-newswire.com.

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