Shocking Discovery: UK Otters Found Carrying Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ – What It Means for Wildlife

Dolphins, otters, porpoises, fish, and birds in the UK are showing signs of toxic contamination from substances known as PFAS, or “forever chemicals.” These manmade chemicals do not break down easily and have been found in the tissues and organs of various animals. Studies link PFAS exposure to serious health issues, including cancer.

The Marine Conservation Society and other organizations analyzed data from over 1,000 animals, revealing widespread PFAS contamination. Among these, PFOS and PFOA are the most studied and recognized as harmful, and they are currently banned. However, there are over 10,000 types of PFAS, and we still know little about their toxicity.

There are guidelines to protect wildlife from PFAS accumulation, suggesting that fish should contain no more than 9 micrograms per kilogram. However, about 12% of fish in the study samples exceeded this limit. Some species, like flounder and roach, reached levels as high as 34 and 41 micrograms, respectively. If current limits were applied broadly, nearly half of all sampled animals would fall short of safety standards. The EU is considering lowering the threshold to 0.077 micrograms, which would result in 92% of animals exceeding safe limits.

Animals higher on the food chain show even more alarming PFAS levels. Otters had concentrations up to 9,962 micrograms per kilogram, while harbour porpoises, grey seals, and dolphins also showed significant contamination. Even birds like gannets and buzzards tested positive for high levels in their eggs and organ tissues.

Major sources of PFAS pollution include airports, military sites, and chemical manufacturers. A study indicated that otters near a chemical plant, where PFOA was heavily used, had higher contamination levels that decreased further from the source. Other contributors include sewage treatment plants, fire stations, and industrial sites. Old landfills along water bodies can also leach these harmful substances into the environment.

PFAS can infiltrate soil and water through sewage sludge spread on farmland. Reports suggest there may be up to 10,000 hotspots in the UK where these dangerous chemicals are present.

Even though some data comes from many years ago, PFAS are called “forever chemicals” for a reason—they can persist in the environment for thousands of years. Experts like Prof. Alex Ford warn that we might see serious long-term effects similar to those caused by PCBs, which were banned decades ago but still pose risks.

Prof. Ford and others are advocating for a ban on PFAS, highlighting that newer alternatives may be just as harmful. Dr. Tony Fletcher agrees, emphasizing that studies on animals reveal insights about how these chemicals might affect human health as well. Experts have urged the UK government to take stronger action against PFAS pollution, underscoring the urgent need for new regulations.

Dr. Francesca Ginley from the Marine Conservation Society noted that despite being around since the 1950s, PFAS have wreaked havoc on wildlife worldwide. She insists that the only way to prevent further pollution is to eliminate the chemicals at their source.

Considering the scale of PFAS pollution across the food chain, Richard Benwell from Wildlife and Countryside Link urges immediate action to curtail this contamination. He calls for a strategy that includes banning most uses of PFAS and implementing financial penalties for chemical manufacturers to help restore affected environments.

In response to these concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs stated that the government is taking steps to address the challenges posed by these chemicals and is actively reviewing measures to improve environmental health.

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