Today a Greenpeace study shows how toxic man-made chemicals are contaminating the European eel population [1]. The study of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from 20 rivers and lakes in 10 EU countries [2] found that eels from every location contained residues of at least one brominated flame retardant (BFR) compound, indicating the widespread dispersal of these chemicals in European waters. Levels of BFRs found in a sample of UK eels from the River Thames were more than double those recorded in the majority of other samples in this study.
The toxicity of BFRs (which are widely used throughout Europe in textiles, plastics and electronic goods) is of increasing concern. Growing evidence indicates that they exhibit a clear potential for adverse effects in humans and wildlife. Two BFR groups, which were significantly higher in the UK eels than in the other samples, may adversely impact neurobehavioral development in mammals (development of behaviour, memory and learning), and also interfere with thyroid hormone systems.
"People eating eels, including the traditional Cockney delicacy of jellied eels, could be adding significantly to their daily intake of these and other persistent, hazardous chemicals" said Dr David Santillo, Senior Scientist with the Greenpeace Research Laboratories. "At the same time, it is important not to forget the threats to the birds, otters and other wildlife which rely on eels as a source of food, and to the eels themselves, especially in the lead-up to spawning."
The report, Swimming in Chemicals, has been released just two weeks before the European Parliament and governments of EU member states decide whether to bow to an industry lobby that would weaken proposed EU legislation for greater protection from hazardous chemicals or vote to safeguard our lives and the environment from these dangers.
"The chemicals industry is lobbying to escape regulation even while hazardous chemicals seep into the environment," said Helen Perivier of Greenpeace International. "It is time for the European Parliament and national governments in the EU to hold industry accountable for the chemicals it releases into the environment and to protect freshwater ecosystems, wildlife and ourselves from toxic chemicals for generations to come."
The eels were also tested for levels of the banned PCB chemicals, with a sample from the Netherlands having the highest amount. "The ongoing legacy of PCBs, banned over 20 years ago, illustrates the long-term consequences of allowing the manufacture and use of chemicals which can build up in our bodies" added Dr Santillo, "and yet with chemicals like brominated flame retardants, governments are in danger of making the same mistakes all over again."
Greenpeace is urging EU governments and the European Parliament to vote for legislation requiring the chemicals industry to identify and substitute problem chemicals. The European Parliament will vote on the proposed REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals). [3]
Already under severe threat from overfishing, habitat loss and possibly climate change, numbers of young eels returning to some European waters are now thought to be as low as 1% of historic levels. Contamination with persistent toxins may also be an important factor in the decline of this intriguing species believed to migrate thousands of miles from the North Atlantic to Europe.
For further information contact:
David Santillo, Greenpeace Research Laboratories, tel 01392263917
Helen Perivier, Greenpeace International toxics campaigner, tel +32 496 127107
Katharine Mill, Greenpeace International Communications, tel +32 496 156229
Notes
[1] "Swimming in Chemicals!": Widespread presence of brominated flame retardants and PCBs in eels (Anguilla anguilla) from rivers and lakes in 10 European countries.
[2] Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, and UK. The eels were donated by members of the fishing and science community or purchased in local markets.
[3] The European Parliament will vote on the REACH proposal, November 17, and the Council (EU Member States) will form a common agreement on the legislation November 29. The chemicals industry, actively supported by EU Industry Commissioner Verheugen, is lobbying for exemptions that would allow it to continue producing and marketing chemicals without providing basic health and safety data for their chemicals. Such a measure would cripple the ability of the REACH legislation to protect health and environment.
Links to earlier Greenpeace investigations of hazardous chemicals in house dust, perfumes and other consumer products, rainwater, and umbilical cord blood: http://www.greenpeace.org/toxics/cheminvestigations.
