Ocean Pollution: Humans At Risk By Andrew Dilevics

In his infographic, guest blogger Andrew Dilevics highlights the impact of ocean pollution on humans. Oceans are vital to life on Earth, providing 97% of the world's water and over 70% of the oxygen we breathe. However, as Dilevics points out, ocean pollution poses a severe threat to this ecosystem. Chemical and plastic pollutants contaminate the oceans, killing marine life and destroying coral reefs. The consumption of contaminated seafood is a primary way that these pollutants enter the human body, with potential consequences including brain damage and increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. With ocean pollution disproportionately affecting small island nations and coastal communities, it is a pressing global issue that demands attention.

Consumption of contaminated seafood

The health impacts of consuming contaminated seafood are particularly severe for infants in the womb. Exposure to these toxic materials through maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can damage developing brains, reduce IQ, and increase the risks for autism, ADHD, and learning disorders in children.

The effects of ocean pollution on marine life are devastating and wide-ranging. Plastic pollution kills fish, seabirds, whales, and dolphins, while pharmaceutical waste contributes to the destruction of coral reefs. The increasing absorption of carbon dioxide into the oceans causes ocean acidification, which, in turn, dissolves calcium-containing plankton at the base of the marine food web.

The impacts of ocean pollution disproportionately affect people in small island nations, indigenous communities, coastal communities in the Global South, and fishing communities worldwide. These communities often rely heavily on seafood as a source of protein and income, increasing their exposure to contaminated seafood and the associated health risks.

It is crucial to address the issue of ocean pollution and its impact on seafood safety to protect both the environment and human health, especially for vulnerable communities. This involves reducing the release of chemical and plastic pollutants into the oceans and promoting sustainable practices to preserve the health of marine ecosystems and, by extension, human well-being.

Pharmaceutical waste

Pharmaceuticals are designed to have biological effects, and even low doses can impact living organisms, including humans. More than 10,000 chemicals are used in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and these chemicals are ending up in our oceans. Pharmaceutical waste is released from manufacturing plants, hospitals, nursing homes, and farms, eventually making its way into wastewater systems and rivers that flow into the sea.

Once in the ocean, these chemicals can accumulate in marine organisms, including fish and shellfish that are part of the human food chain. For example, common drugs like ibuprofen, anti-depressants, and antibiotics have been found in measurable quantities in coastal waters. The consumption of contaminated seafood is the primary way humans are exposed to these chemical pollutants.

The potential health impacts of consuming contaminated seafood are significant. Research suggests that exposure to pharmaceuticals in drinking water may affect the human reproductive system. Additionally, infants exposed to toxic chemicals in the womb through their mother's consumption of contaminated seafood are at risk of brain damage, reduced IQ, and increased susceptibility to autism, ADHD, and learning disorders.

The magnitude and severity of the impacts of ocean pollution on human health are increasing. With a growing global population and increasing pharmaceutical use, it is essential to address the issue of pharmaceutical waste in our oceans to mitigate potential health risks for humans and protect marine ecosystems.

Ocean acidification

In addition to impacting the quantity and quality of seafood, ocean acidification can also affect air quality and mental health. It can enhance the aerosolization of natural toxins produced in harmful algal blooms, which can cause respiratory issues in humans. It can also modify natural spaces, leading to a loss of livelihoods and disruption of nature-based recreation and exercise, which are important for mental health.

Finally, ocean acidification can decrease the opportunity to develop and obtain medical resources by reducing biodiversity. The vast biodiversity of the oceans offers a key opportunity to develop new medicines and natural products, but this is threatened by ocean acidification.

Petroleum-based pollutants

The oceans are a vital life source for humans, providing over 70% of the oxygen we breathe and 97% of the world's water supply. However, they are under constant attack from various pollutants, including petroleum-based products. Petroleum-based pollutants are a significant concern due to their ability to disrupt the natural balance of marine ecosystems.

One of the primary ways these pollutants enter the ocean is through oil spills. When crude oil is released into the marine environment, it can form thick layers on the surface, known as oil slicks. These slicks can smother marine life, coat seabird feathers, and clog the gills of fish and other aquatic organisms, leading to suffocation and death. Additionally, the toxic chemicals in crude oil can contaminate seawater, affecting the health of marine organisms and the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

The impact of petroleum-based pollutants extends beyond the immediate effects on marine life. These pollutants can persist in the environment for extended periods, accumulating in the tissues of marine organisms. As a result, they enter the food chain, eventually reaching humans who consume seafood. This consumption of contaminated seafood is the main route of human exposure to these toxic substances.

The health consequences of ingesting petroleum-based pollutants can be severe. Studies have shown that exposure to these toxins, even at low levels, can lead to a range of health issues, including neurological damage, endocrine disruption, immune system problems, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Additionally, maternal consumption of contaminated seafood can have detrimental effects on fetal development, potentially leading to reduced IQ and an increased risk of autism, ADHD, and learning disorders in children.

Plastic pollution

Plastic waste is the most visible component of ocean pollution. More than ten million tonnes of plastic end up in the sea annually, with the majority of it breaking down into microplastic particles that accumulate in coastal and deep-sea sediments. These microplastics contain multiple toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, neurotoxins, and endocrine disruptors, which interfere with hormones and can cause cancer, birth defects, and reduced fertility. These chemical-laden particles enter the food chain, accumulating in fish and shellfish. When humans consume seafood contaminated with these materials, we ingest millions of microplastic particles and the many harmful chemicals they carry. While there is ongoing debate about the harm microplastics cause to humans, exposure to these chemicals undoubtedly increases the risk of developing the diseases they cause.

The impact of plastic pollution on marine life is also significant. An experiment on the Crassostrea Gigas Pacific oyster revealed that exposure to polystyrene microparticles and nanoparticles affected their reproduction. Additionally, filtering organisms confuse plastic microparticles and nanoparticles with plankton and ingest them, further spreading these toxins throughout the food chain.

The far-reaching consequences of plastic pollution in the ocean highlight the urgent need for effective measures to curb this global issue. Implementing bans on single-use plastics and improving waste sorting processes can help address the problem at its source, both on land and at sea.

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