1 March 2023 – A new study has found that worldwide so-called “forever chemicals” are present in over 330 species of wildlife, including polar bears, monkeys, birds and fish.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances or PFAS are man-made chemicals which won’t break down over time, like other substances. That’s why they gained the nickname “forever chemicals”.
Many earlier studies have looked at these chemicals, but new research by the US-based Environment Working Group (EWG) has consolidated over 100 recent studies to show the extent of PFAS pollution worldwide.
And it clearly shows that contamination from these synthetic chemicals is a problem for wildlife all over the world.
What Are “Forever Chemicals”?
PFAS are man-made chemicals, which have been in use on a large scale since the 1940s. Today this group of chemicals contain over 4,700 industrial chemicals.
They are used in products that we are using every day, such as non-stick pans, carpets, make-up, clothing and food packaging.
Unlike other substances, these chemicals don’t break down. Instead, they remain in our environment, where they can cause a lot of harm to wildlife and us humans.
Because they are so persistent, they reach all areas of our planet, including plants, animals, our blood, water, air and our food.
While not all of these synthetic chemicals have been studied, some have and the results are scary. PFAS have been linked to cancers as well as liver, kidney and thyroid diseases. They can also impact on our immune system and fertility.
And although these health problems have been identified in studies with humans, some research does suggest that these chemicals could affect wildlife in similar ways.
With only a small number studied, the true extent of these substances on our environment, wildlife and ourselves can only be guessed at. This is why so many people are concerned about the use of these chemicals.
Over 330 Species Worldwide Affected
The analysis by the EWG shows the various studies found PFAS chemicals in more than 330 species across the world, including fish, birds, reptiles, horses, cats, otters, monkeys, tigers and many more.
Many of the species that were affected are near threatened, vulnerable, endangered or critically endangered. These animals already face huge challenges to their survival such as habitat loss, and now we know they also could be harmed from contamination with these “forever chemicals”.
The researches from the environmental group have compiled all the data into a map, that shows where on the globe which animal group was tested, and these chemicals were found.
Overall, over 120 different PFAS compounds were detected in wildlife.
While the map does not show contamination in every country, this is only because not everywhere has been tested. It is highly likely that wildlife in other locations are also affected.
No matter the location, no matter the species, nearly every time that testing is done we find contamination from these toxic chemicals. And the EWG map reflects just what we know now – given the extent of PFAS pollution, wildlife in many other locations around the world are likely contaminated.
Environmental Working Group
UK Otters Also Contaminated
The EWG research has shown that 17,000 sites in the UK and Europe are contaminated. According to a report in the Guardian, the highest concentration of these chemicals in Britain was found in the River Wyre, near Blackpool, in the discharge of a chemicals plant.
Among the species impacted in the UK are European otters in waterways in Lancashire. Otters are a protected species.
Northern gannets off the east and west coast of Scotland have also been tested and were found to be contaminated by these toxic chemicals.
The UK’s Environment Agency has monitored PFAS contamination in rivers, estuaries and groundwater in England. A report from August 2021 showed that 10 types of “forever chemicals” were found.
The authors of the report suggest that it is likely that the chemicals are widespread in groundwater and surface waters in England.
Call On UK Government To Act
The EWG study concluded that urgent action is needed to protect our wildlife. They are calling for national and international regulatory action.
Green MP Caroline Lucas has called on the UK government to act now by adopting tougher regulations, after it was reported that drinking water sources in the UK are contaminated with PFAS.
She also rubbished claims of water companies that these chemicals don’t reach the tap water, as the water is either blended with water from other sources, which dilutes the chemicals. Or the water undergoes a specialised treatment process, which removes any harmful chemicals.
There are also concerns that the UK is falling behind other countries. In the US, the guideline limits for these chemicals in drinking water are much lower than in the UK.
Without swift action, the UK could fall behind on protecting the public and nature from pollutants like hormone-disrupting PFAS chemicals, which can build up in our rivers for thousands of years.
Richard Benwell, Chief Executive of the Wildlife and Countryside Link
And the European Chemical Agency is looking at proposals to restrict the manufacturing and use of thousands of PFAS to make them safer. At the same time the EU is considering whether to implement stricter standards on PFAS levels for rivers.
