Dolphin. Photo: Bertrand Duperrin, Flickr.com.
The dolphins found closer to the Miami coast area in the US, have high levels of flame retardant chemical in their blubbers. The chemical may cause sterility in dolphins according to scientists.
A study of wild dolphins in Biscayne Bay in Miami showed that dolphins are polluted by the toxic flame retardant chemical. They also found the banned DDT, PCB and mercury in its blubber. The researchers found the chemicals were higher in those dolphins that lived closer to the Miami area.
The scientists are worried that flame retardant chemical, used in furniture, clothes and electronics to prevent them from burning may cause sterility in dolphins.
America is the world’s largest producer of flame retardants and in 2001 it supplied about 50 percent of the market.
In a government study, the flame retardant chemical was found to be the main cause in the death of unborn dolphin calves for first time mothers. During gestation, the chemical from the mother is passed on to the calf according to researchers.
The chemicals are also found in humans, who have ingested seafood from that area. Scientists are not sure what level of the chemicals will become harmful for the humans but believe it may impair child brain development and affect the immune functions.
The scientists are worried that flame retardant chemical, used in furniture, clothes and electronics to prevent them from burning may cause sterility in dolphins.
America is the world’s largest producer of flame retardants and in 2001 it supplied about 50 percent of the market.
In a government study, the flame retardant chemical was found to be the main cause in the death of unborn dolphin calves for first time mothers. During gestation, the chemical from the mother is passed on to the calf according to researchers.
The chemicals are also found in humans, who have ingested seafood from that area. Scientists are not sure what level of the chemicals will become harmful for the humans but believe it may impair child brain development and affect the immune functions.
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