Sea otters residing along the southern coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island have been discovered to have elevated levels of persistent toxic chemicals in their bodies, as per a recent study. The research, led by Dana Price, a master’s candidate at the University of British Columbia, analyzed samples from 11 deceased sea otters collected between 2016 and 2021. These chemicals, commonly found in various consumer products like food packaging, cosmetics, and electronics, belong to the class known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs).
Price highlighted that while it was the first study of its kind in the province, the presence of these contaminants in sea otters sets a crucial baseline for future comparisons. She noted that similar findings had been reported in sea otters from California, Washington, and Alaska. PFAs, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are concerning due to their persistence in the environment without breaking down, posing health risks such as organ damage, cancer, and weakened immune systems.
Although none of the otters examined in the study were believed to have died as a direct result of PFAs, the continuous presence of these chemicals in all samples raises concerns about the long-term health of marine ecosystems. Notably, the levels of PFAs in British Columbia sea otters were found to be relatively lower compared to their American counterparts, possibly attributed to stringent Canadian regulations and lower human populations in the otters’ habitats.
The study sheds light on a growing body of research emphasizing the dangers associated with PFAs. A federal government report highlights the harmful effects of these chemicals on human health, leading to regulations to limit acceptable levels in drinking water. While efforts are being made to regulate PFAs, challenges persist due to the vast number of PFAs in the market, making it a constant battle for scientists and regulators.
The study, by not identifying a specific source of forever chemical contamination, underscores the challenge of tracing these substances back to their origins, given their presence in a wide array of products that can enter the ecosystem. Price emphasized the complexity of pinpointing the exact sources of these chemicals, emphasizing the pervasive nature of their presence.
Overall, the findings underscore the importance of monitoring and regulating the presence of PFAs in marine environments to safeguard the health of sea otters and the broader ecosystem.