Sea Pollution's Impact: Human Health At Risk

Ocean pollution has far-reaching consequences for marine life and human health. From plastics to toxic metals, the ocean has become a dumping ground for a range of pollutants, with over 80% of these pollutants originating from land-based sources. These pollutants contaminate seafood, leading to the consumption of toxic chemicals and plastic microparticles by humans. This is particularly detrimental to infants, who are at risk of brain damage, reduced IQ, and increased susceptibility to autism, ADHD, and learning disorders when exposed to these toxins in the womb through their mothers' consumption of contaminated seafood.

Consumption of contaminated seafood

The consumption of contaminated seafood is a primary pathway for humans to be exposed to the chemical pollutants, HAB toxins, and plastic microparticles and microfibers that are present in the oceans. Chemical and plastic pollutants have spread throughout the world's oceans, contaminating marine organisms from the High Arctic to the deepest abyssal depths. This means that humans who eat seafood are also consuming their own waste, which can include anything from plastics to toxic metals.

Mercury, PCBs, and other persistent pollutants are of particular concern as they accumulate to high concentrations in fish and marine mammals that are consumed by humans. This contamination can have severe health impacts, especially for infants in the womb whose developing brains can be damaged by exposure to these toxins through their mother's consumption of contaminated seafood. Studies have shown that maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can reduce an infant's IQ and increase their risk of autism, ADHD, and learning disorders.

The effects of ocean pollution are far-reaching and can be especially detrimental to vulnerable communities such as small island nations, indigenous communities, coastal communities in the Global South, and fishing communities worldwide. These communities may rely heavily on seafood as a source of income or sustenance, increasing their exposure to contaminated seafood and the associated health risks.

It is important to recognize that the impacts of consuming contaminated seafood may not be immediately apparent. The accumulation of toxins in the body can lead to long-term health issues, even if an individual is not initially aware of the contamination of their seafood. Furthermore, the complex interactions between various chemical pollutants and the specific biological characteristics of individuals can result in varied and unpredictable health outcomes.

Addressing the issue of contaminated seafood requires a multifaceted approach. It involves reducing the release of chemical and plastic pollutants into the oceans, implementing stricter regulations and monitoring systems for seafood safety, and promoting sustainable and eco-friendly fishing practices. By mitigating ocean pollution and ensuring the safety of seafood, we can minimize the potential health risks associated with the consumption of contaminated seafood.

Pharmaceutical waste

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in pharmaceutical waste due to higher hospital admissions and the increased use of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of various diseases. This waste often ends up in landfills or is washed into bodies of water, leading to harmful consequences for humans and the environment.

Additionally, the improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can lead to environmental contamination. Pharmaceutical chemicals can leach into the soil and water, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.

To address the health risks and environmental impact of pharmaceutical waste, proper waste management practices, regular monitoring of prescribed medicines, and the development of innovative strategies for waste treatment are essential.

Petroleum-based pollutants

Moreover, petroleum-based pollutants are a source of plastic pollution, which threatens marine mammals, fish, and seabirds and accumulates in large mid-ocean gyres. They break down into microplastic and nanoplastic particles containing multiple manufactured chemicals that can enter the tissues of marine organisms, including species consumed by humans.

Furthermore, petroleum-based pollutants are a source of agricultural pollution, which comes from farms, whether they raise crops or animals. Fish farming, for example, allows parasites, waste, pesticides, fertilizers, and antibiotics to flow freely into the open water.

Finally, petroleum-based pollutants are a source of chemical pollution, which can come in many forms, such as oil, so-called "forever chemicals," and toxic metals.

Plastic pollution

The impact of plastic pollution on human health is still being researched, but it is clear that plastic pollution is detrimental to human health. Plastic pollution has been linked to developmental, neurological, reproductive, and immune disorders in humans.

Microplastics

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic that result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These particles are often smaller than a grain of sand and can be ingested by marine animals, entering the food chain. Microplastics have been found in drinking water, salt, beer, and in the soil where vegetables are grown, meaning they are consumed by humans.

Toxic Contaminants

Plastic materials contain toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can be transferred to humans through the consumption of seafood. These toxins have been linked to cancers, birth defects, immune system problems, and childhood developmental issues.

Climate Change

Plastic production and incineration contribute to the climate crisis by increasing emissions of carbon dioxide and methane, worsening global warming.

The majority of plastic pollution in the ocean is a result of littering and improper waste disposal. Land-based sources, such as urban runoff, construction litter, trash blown out of garbage containers, and industrial facilities, account for 80% of marine debris. The remaining 20% comes from ocean-based sources, such as discharges from ships and discarded fishing gear.

Preventing plastic waste from entering rivers and seas is crucial. This can be achieved through improved waste management systems, increased recycling, and reduced manufacturing of single-use plastics. Individual actions, such as reducing plastic use, reusing bags, and supporting legislation that aims to reduce plastic use, are also important in addressing this global issue.

Climate change

Ocean warming

The ocean absorbs over 90% of the heat generated by rising emissions, leading to an increase in sea temperatures. This has several knock-on effects, including:

• Ice-melting and sea-level rise: Latest data shows that global mean sea level rose by an average of 4.5mm per year over the period 2013 to 2021.
• Marine heatwaves: These have doubled in frequency and intensity and are causing coral bleaching and reef degradation.
• Changes in species distribution: Rising temperatures are causing species to migrate to higher latitudes and altitudes in search of cooler waters.

Ocean acidification

The ocean absorbs around 30% of carbon emissions, which leads to ocean acidification. This has the following impacts:

• Coral reef destruction: Acidification erodes coral reefs and dissolves calcium-containing organisms such as plankton, which are at the base of the marine food chain.
• Increased toxicity: Ocean acidification can increase the toxicity of certain heavy metals and chemicals.

Deoxygenation

As the ocean warms, it loses oxygen. This has the following impacts:

• Dead zones: Warmer waters hold less oxygen, creating "dead zones" where nothing can survive.
• Range expansion of harmful algal blooms (HABs): Warmer waters are making previously uninhabitable areas habitable for certain HAB species.

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