Key Takeaways:
- Sperm whales offshore can accumulate similar levels of ‘forever chemicals’ as inshore Maui dolphins
- The level of exposure to PFAS in whales is not dependent on their location, but rather on their sex, age, and feeding habits
- Males and newly born whales have higher levels of PFAS due to "offloading" by their mothers
- The study raises concerns about the impact of PFAS on the ocean and the potential effects on human health
- Further research is needed to understand the sources of PFAS exposure in whales and the potential health impacts on marine life
Introduction to PFAS in Whales
A recent study has found that sperm whales offshore can accumulate similar levels of ‘forever chemicals’ as inshore Maui dolphins. The study, led by Massey University Professor Karen Stockin, looked at the levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in 127 stranded toothed whales and dolphins from 16 species in New Zealand waters. The results showed that the level of exposure to PFAS was not dependent on the location of the whales, but rather on their sex, age, and feeding habits. This suggests that PFAS are widespread in the marine environment and can accumulate in whales and dolphins regardless of their location.
The Study’s Findings
The study found that species that feed mid-water, such as false killer whales and common dolphins, had similar levels of PFAS as coastal Māui dolphins or deep-diving species like beaked whales. Newly born whales had the highest levels of PFAS due to "offloading" by their mothers of their own accumulated PFAS. Males also had higher levels of PFAS than females, also due to such offloading. The study’s findings raise concerns about the impact of PFAS on the ocean and the potential effects on human health. Professor Stockin noted that the ocean is the final sink for PFAS, and that life on land depends on the oceans, making it essential to understand the impact of these chemicals on marine life.
The Impact of PFAS on Whales
The study’s findings also raise questions about how whales are being exposed to PFAS. While it was previously thought that whales were getting most of their PFAS from food, the study suggests that they may be exposed in many ways, including through the water itself on their porous skin, when they return to breathe on the surface water. This highlights the need for further research into the sources of PFAS exposure in whales and the potential health impacts on marine life. Dr. Shan Yi from Auckland is currently working to develop models to test the health impacts of PFAS on animals, and Professor Stockin’s team is also investigating the possibility that whales may be exposed to PFAS through the water.
The Broader Implications
The study’s findings have broader implications for the impact of PFAS on the environment and human health. PFAS have been linked to some cancers, high cholesterol, and reduced immunity in humans, and it is possible that they may also have similar effects on marine life. The fact that PFAS are widespread in the marine environment and can accumulate in whales and dolphins raises concerns about the potential impact on the ocean and the potential effects on human health. Professor Stockin noted that the level of PFAS in whales might suggest that it is also present in the kaimoana that people eat, and that further research is needed to understand the levels of PFAS in groundwater and other water sources.
Conclusion and Future Research
In conclusion, the study’s findings highlight the need for further research into the impact of PFAS on whales and the marine environment. The fact that PFAS are widespread in the marine environment and can accumulate in whales and dolphins raises concerns about the potential impact on the ocean and the potential effects on human health. Further research is needed to understand the sources of PFAS exposure in whales and the potential health impacts on marine life. This includes investigating the possibility that whales may be exposed to PFAS through the water, as well as studying the levels of PFAS in groundwater and other water sources. By understanding the impact of PFAS on whales and the marine environment, we can work towards reducing the levels of these chemicals in the environment and protecting the health of both humans and marine life.