Ocean Pollution: Harming Humans, Devastating News

Ocean pollution is a complex mixture of toxic metals, plastics, manufactured chemicals, petroleum, urban and industrial wastes, pesticides, fertilizers, pharmaceutical chemicals, agricultural runoff, and sewage. More than 80% of ocean pollution arises from land-based sources.

The dangers of ocean pollution are only beginning to be understood. It is the largest environmental cause of disease in the world today, responsible for an estimated nine million premature deaths per year. It causes enormous economic losses, undermines national trajectories of economic development, and impedes the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The health impacts of ocean pollution fall disproportionately on vulnerable populations in the Global South, small island nations, the high Arctic, and coastal communities, especially those in the Global South. The very survival of these vulnerable populations depends on the health of the seas.

Consumption of contaminated seafood

Mercury is a highly toxic metal that accumulates in larger, longer-living fish such as bass, tuna, swordfish, and some sharks. It can be converted into methylmercury by certain bacteria, which is even more toxic and easily absorbed by humans when consumed. Exposure to high levels of methylmercury, especially during fetal development and early childhood, can lead to irreversible nervous system damage, reduced IQ, and increased risk of autism, ADHD, and learning disorders.

PCBs are man-made chemicals that were previously used in electrical equipment and carbonless copy papers. They persist in the environment and can contaminate fish and shellfish, even decades after their production has been banned. Exposure to PCBs has been linked to infant development problems, changes in human blood, liver, and immune functions, and increased risk of cancer.

Other contaminants found in seafood include pesticides, which can cause gastrointestinal illness and even death in people with compromised immune systems; industrial chemicals, which can disrupt the endocrine system and increase the risk of cancer; and plastic particles, which can contain toxic chemicals and accumulate in the human body over time.

It is important to note that not all seafood is equally contaminated, and consuming a variety of fish that are low in contaminants can help reduce exposure to these harmful substances. Advisories and guidelines are available to help consumers make informed choices about the safety of their seafood.

Ocean acidification

The average surface pH of the ocean has already decreased by 0.1 since the Industrial Revolution, and a further decrease of 0.3-0.4 is expected by the end of the century. This means that the acidity of the ocean will double by 2100.

• Malnutrition and poisoning - A reduction in the quantity and nutritional composition of seafood, including a decrease in lipids and proteins, and an increase in chemical contamination and natural toxins.
• Respiratory issues - An increase in respiratory issues due to impaired air quality, as harmful algal blooms are more likely to occur.
• Mental health impacts - A disruption of nature-based recreational activities, and a loss of livelihoods for those who rely on the ocean.
• Development of medical resources - A decrease in the opportunity to develop and obtain medical resources due to a loss of biodiversity.

Effects on indigenous communities

Ocean pollution is a pressing issue that disproportionately affects indigenous communities. These communities are highly vulnerable to the negative consequences of ocean pollution due to their close connection with the marine environment and their reliance on it for sustenance.

Indigenous peoples in coastal regions, small island nations, and the far north are at a heightened risk of exposure to toxic pollutants. Their diet includes up to 15 times more seafood than non-indigenous peoples, which can result in the consumption of contaminated seafood containing plastic particles, methyl mercury, POPs (persistent organic pollutants), and manufactured chemicals. These toxins can accumulate in the bodies of marine organisms, leading to severe health risks for those who consume them. Exposure to these toxic materials can have detrimental effects on brain development, lowering IQ, and increasing the risks for autism, ADHD, and learning disorders, especially in infants exposed in the womb through maternal consumption.

The direct dumping of industrial wastes into the sea is a significant contributor to the problem. For example, the careless disposal of acid sludge waste in the Southern California Bight resulted in localized contamination. Additionally, the increasing absorption of carbon dioxide into the oceans causes ocean acidification, which destroys coral reefs and plankton, further disrupting the marine food web that indigenous communities depend on.

The impacts of ocean pollution on indigenous communities extend beyond health risks. The degradation of marine ecosystems can also affect the cultural and spiritual practices of these communities, as many indigenous cultures have a deep spiritual connection with the ocean and marine life. Their traditional ways of life, including fishing and marine-related activities, are threatened by the declining health of marine ecosystems.

It is important to recognize that indigenous communities are not passive victims but active agents in addressing ocean pollution. They often play a crucial role in conservation efforts and advocate for the protection of the oceans and their ecosystems. Their knowledge and practices contribute significantly to the sustainable management of marine resources.

Nervous system damage

Ocean pollution is a critical global issue that is increasing in magnitude and severity, with over 80% of chemical and plastic pollutants entering oceans from land-based sources. These pollutants contaminate marine life and, subsequently, the humans who consume them. One of the most significant risks to human health is nervous system damage.

Neurotoxic chemicals such as mercury, lead, and pesticides can accumulate in high concentrations in fish and marine mammals, which, when consumed, can lead to toxic exposure in humans. The developing brains of infants in utero are particularly vulnerable to these pollutants, with potential consequences including reduced IQ, increased risk of autism, ADHD, and learning disorders. Early life exposure to certain pesticides has also been linked to cognitive deficits and autism in children.

In adults, exposure to methylmercury increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia. Additionally, manufactured chemicals released into the sea from plastic waste, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, flame retardants, and perfluorinated chemicals, can cause nervous system damage and increase the risk of cancer.

The impact of ocean pollution on human health is severe and often underestimated. It is crucial to address this issue through measures such as banning single-use plastics, controlling coastal pollution, and expanding marine protected areas to mitigate the harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Learning disorders in children

The impact of ocean pollution on human health is a growing area of concern, with research highlighting the presence of toxic chemicals in seafood and their potential to cause harm. Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these toxins, with studies finding that exposure during critical periods of brain development can have long-lasting consequences.

In Utero Exposure to Toxins

Research has shown that exposure to toxins in the womb can have detrimental effects on the developing brain, leading to reduced motor function, shortened attention span, impaired memory, and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. For example, studies in the Faroe Islands and Nunavik found that children exposed to methylmercury in utero exhibited decreased motor function, shortened attention span, and impaired memory, with these deficits persisting into adulthood.

Early Childhood Exposure to Toxins

Exposure to toxins during early childhood can also have negative consequences, as the brain continues to develop throughout this period. A study in Brazil found that adults exposed to elevated levels of mercury in their environment experienced reductions in motor speed, manual dexterity, and concentration, as well as impairments in verbal learning and memory.

Cardiovascular Effects

In addition to neurodevelopmental disorders, exposure to toxins such as methylmercury and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Adult exposures to these toxins can lead to an increased risk of acute coronary events, coronary heart disease, and hypertension.

The Role of Diet

The impact of ocean pollution on children's health is closely linked to their dietary habits, with seafood being a major source of exposure to toxins. Populations that consume large amounts of seafood, such as coastal communities and indigenous groups, are at a higher risk of experiencing the negative health effects of ocean pollution.

Preventative Measures

To mitigate the risks associated with ocean pollution, it is essential to reduce the release of toxins into the environment. This includes banning the combustion of coal, controlling the use of mercury in gold mining, improving waste management practices, and creating protected areas to safeguard vulnerable ecosystems.

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