How climate change is threatening one of the world's cutest endangered animals
The habitat of one of the world's cutest endangered animals is being threatened by human-caused climate change.
The Caspian seal is the only marine mammal found in the 143,200-square-mile Caspian Sea. Now, researchers say water levels in the world's largest landlocked body of water are getting lower as temperatures rise.
But there is hope for the native species — if humans take 'urgent' action, experts note.
'Some Caspian Sea level decline appears unavoidable, even with action to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Simon Goodman, of the United Kingdom's University of Leeds, said in a statement. 'However, with the anticipated effects unfolding over a few decades, it should be possible to find ways to protect biodiversity while safeguarding human interests and wellbeing,'
He added: 'That might sound like a long timescale, but, given the immense political, legislative and logistical challenges involved, it is advisable to start action as soon as possible to give the best chance of success.'
Goodman supervised new research into the seals' predicament, which was published Thursday in the journal Nature Communications Earth & Environment.
Even if global warming is limited to below about 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit (2 degrees Celsius), it is likely that the level of the sea — which borders Russia and Iran — will decline by 16 to 32 feet. If temperatures rise further, the researchers said levels could fall by as much as 68 feet by 2100.
An area larger than the size of Iceland is likely to dry up, they said, even in an optimistic scenario.
All of the shrinking and drying could have significant consequences for biodiversity and the coastal communities that rely on the water resource, researchers warn.
For humans, an exposed seabed is likely to release dust containing industrial contaminants and salt, threatening human health.
Loss of water could also further impact the climate, leading to reduced rainfall and drier conditions across central Asia.
In addition to the seal, there are hundreds of species of fish and invertebrates that live in the Caspian Sea. Among them are six species of sturgeon, and declining water levels are expected to restrict their access to spawning rivers. For Caspian seals it also means significantly reduced breeding habitat, with a 16-foot decline reducing the ice in the northern sea where the seals give birth by as much as 81 percent.
There are now an estimated 75,000 and 270,000 seals in the sea, according to the Caspian Policy Center. The population was once estimated at close to one million in the early 20th century. The seal was listed as endangered by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2008.
The seals have already been threatened by hunting, fishing operations, disease, disruption of the food chain, and loss of habitat. The Caspian sea in addition is threatened by pollution, overfishing, and invasive species.
The sea level decline is also expected to make all areas on land where seals currently rest inaccessible. In addition, the coverage of existing marine protected areas is projected to disappear nearly entirely for all countries but Kazakhstan.
Going forward, the authors recommended that affected areas reduce planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions, monitor ecosystems, support resilient coastal infrastructure, and devise legislation that enables the creation of protected areas.
'We hope this research will help to raise awareness of the trajectory and potential impacts of the falling sea level,' said Dr. Rebecca Court, a researcher at Leeds. 'The mapping should better equip policymakers and conservationists to plan for and address the numerous issues in advance.'
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Telegraph
a day ago
- Telegraph
The chemicals in your drinking water that are harming your health (and how to avoid them)
Forever chemicals are part and parcel of modern life. Whether you're pulling on a waterproof jacket, grabbing a coffee in a paper cup, or unwrapping a takeaway, chances are your body's absorbing them. There's more than 10,000 of these synthetic compounds today, which are prized for their resistance to water, oil and stains. That makes them incredibly useful, but nearly impossible to avoid. First developed in the 1930s in both Germany and the United States, PFAS became widely commercialised in the 1950s when US company DuPont used PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) to create Teflon, the world's first non-stick coating. Their chemical structure – bonding carbon with fluorine – makes them nearly impossible to break down. As a result, they can persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years, earning them the nickname 'forever chemicals'. Where are they? This persistence means PFAS are now ubiquitous. They are found in soil, air, drinking water, rainwater, and even the blood of nearly every person on Earth. Why do we need to avoid them? The use of the most dangerous PFAS chemicals, PFOA and PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid), were phased out in the United States, the UK and many other countries beginning in the early 2000s, after studies linked them to cancer, immune system suppression, thyroid disease, liver damage, developmental delays in children, and fertility issues. However, although they are not used in the manufacture of new products in the UK, those toxic, banned chemicals will never disappear from our environment. They exist in the water we drink and the soil that grows our food. More worrying is that these banned substances have been replaced by newer, supposedly less harmful, forever chemicals. These haven't been shown to cause health problems yet, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be worried. Dr Dave Megson, a chemistry and environmental forensics scientist at Manchester Metropolitan University, says: 'I'm still concerned about them. We've banned the two chemicals we know the most about, but the replacement chemicals are very similar. They're just less understood and their toxicity hasn't been fully confirmed. That seems to be the loophole because we haven't proven they're harmful yet, they're still allowed.' He thinks they will be banned in time and 'we're just waiting for the toxicological data to catch up. We need time to prove how harmful these new PFAS are.' Ian Cousins, professor of environmental organic chemistry at Stockholm University, thinks that most uses are unnecessary. 'We should not be using them because they're so persistent, and there are alternatives on the market.' Last month, the UK's Environmental Audit Committee launched a formal inquiry into PFAS contamination and regulation across the UK. They're concerned that the evidence showing they harm human health is not being taken seriously enough. The UK is lagging behind most other developing countries when it comes to regulating forever chemicals. The EU is moving forward with a comprehensive proposal to restrict the manufacture, use and marketing of approximately 10,000 PFAS. Currently, the UK has banned several specific PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foams, such as Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS), banned over a decade ago, and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), which will be banned from July this year. It's no surprise, given the UK's lack of regulation that a global study assessing blood serums containing PFAS, found UK concentrations to be amongst some of the highest in the world. But while we are waiting for the UK government to catch up with the rest of the world, there are measures that worried consumers can take to reduce their exposure. Ditch plastic bottles and get a water filter Despite water companies having to dilute contaminated water with purer water or use an alternative source, PFAS are still getting into drinking water. PFAS were found in more than half of samples of Scottish drinking water taken in 2023. PFAS have also been found in both bottled and tap water samples in the UK. The Environment Agency has identified over 10,000 sites across England as high-risk for PFAS contamination, many associated with firefighting foam which contained now banned PFAS. Prof Cousins says that people should be especially concerned if they live near an industrial or military site that may have used firefighting foam in the past. 'That is a particularly nasty PFAS and you don't want to be exposed to it. So if you live in that [kind of] area I would consider getting my water tested and install a water filter.' Several UK sites are under investigation for PFAS contamination from firefighting foam. At AGC Chemicals in Thornton-Cleveleys, Lancashire, over 100 tonnes of PFOA (now a banned chemical) were released between 1950 and 2012, prompting soil and water testing. In Norfolk, RAF Marham is being examined after PFAS were found in local drinking water, with bottled water now being supplied to residents. Duxford's former RAF base, now an Imperial War Museum site, is also being monitored due to potential contamination of nearby aquifers. The most effective water filters for removing PFAS use reverse osmosis, activated carbon, or ion exchange. Reverse osmosis systems can remove up to ninety-nine per cent of PFAS, while activated carbon filters also work well if the filters are changed regularly. Good examples include Berkey Water Filters, which use carbon elements tested for PFAS removal, and the Aquasana OptimH2O, which combines reverse osmosis and carbon filtration. Dr Megson offers some reassurance. 'The UK has some of the most tested and regulated water in the world. In known hotspots water is regularly blended and monitored to stay within guidelines. Get an air filter Carpets might be cosy and warm underfoot but increasingly researchers are raising concerns over them as a hidden source of PFAS. They are often added to carpets to make them stain and water resistant. Walking on them creates dust that can reach breathing height. 'People think of contamination as something outside, but indoor dust is significant. For example, carpets treated with Scotchgard in the 1990s are now breaking down releasing PFAS as the fibres degrade,' says Dr Megson. A recent study led by Dr Scott Bartell at the University of California, Irvine, found that people living with carpets consistently showed higher blood PFAS levels than those with bare floors. His conclusion? Carpets are a significant and underestimated source of exposure. Oliver Jones, professor of chemistry, at RMIT University in Melbourne says that 'if you really want to reduce exposure, you should start by looking at where the largest sources of PFAS to humans are. Evidence suggests it's dust in the air.' He recommends getting an air filter. While a standard mechanical air filter, known as an HEPA filter can trap particulate-bound PFAS (like those stuck to dust), a better choice would be an activated carbon air filter. The critical difference: they can remove gaseous PFAS from the air. For broader protection, a combination of both HEPA and activated carbon filtration is ideal. Activated carbon works by adsorbing chemicals at a molecular level, capturing many volatile PFAS compounds that might otherwise circulate freely in your home. Not all air purifiers are created equal, though. Look for units with large activated carbon beds and a high Clean Air Delivery Rate (CADR). Vacuum with a HEPA filter: a high-efficiency vacuum can reduce PFAS-laden dust. Models like Dyson's Gen5outsize (£1,000) or the more affordable Shark Detect and Empty (£350) both offer strong filtration, though only some include activated carbon filters to trap gases. Swap parchment and foil and consider alternatives to your non-stick pan Parchment paper, wax paper and foil are regular fixtures in most kitchens. They are the kind of supplies people use without thinking twice. But research has found that some of these everyday items may be coated with PFAS. When exposed to high temperatures, especially in ovens or on grills, PFAS can break down and potentially seep into the food. That means cooking something as simple as vegetables in foil, or lining a tray with treated paper, could become a source of unwanted chemical exposure over time. 'There are lots of kitchen items with PFAS, including baking paper, non-stick pans and even dishwasher tablets,', says Dr Megson. 'Not all of them transfer large amounts to your food, but some still do. Some parchment paper contains PFAS. But if you're baking a cake once a month, the exposure is minimal compared to what you get from your diet or potentially your water.' 'It's death by a thousand paper cuts. It might be small amounts, but it all adds up in burger wrappers, coffee cups, dishwasher tablets, makeup and workout clothes,' he says. A simple solution that creates a similar non-stick effect is to coat your pan with butter and cover it with flour. The following retailers provide some PFAS-free alternatives: Green Safe Products, Clondakin Group, Nordic Paper. Stop wearing Lycra leggings to the gym PFAS are also found in a lot of athletic clothing including popular Lycra leggings. They are added to fabrics to make them water and stain resistant, or to help wick sweat away from the skin, which is common in performance gear. A 2022 investigation by Toxic Free Future found that more than 70 per cent of sportswear tested contained PFAS, including items from well-known brands. Researchers at Birmingham University also found that sweating makes it easier for the body to absorb these chemicals into the body. There are plenty of PFAS-free options. Look for those made from natural fabrics, such as organic cotton, hemp and bamboo. These selections represent a range of PFAS-free sportswear options from reputable brands: Patagonia has been working to eliminate PFAS from its products, and offers items like the Cap Cool Daily Shirt. Sweaty Betty's Ultimate Studio Twin Strap Bra Vest is designed without PFAS. PFAS can be used to waterproof outdoor clothing. The performance clothing company Rab has been actively working to eliminate PFAS from its products. As of autumn/winter 2024, approximately 95 per cent of Rab's fabrics with durable water repellent (DWR) treatments are PFAS-free. Patagonia Torrentshell 3L rain jacket and North Face's Resolve 2 jacket are PFAS- free. Opt for natural nails 'I think the cosmetics industry has got away [with it] pretty lightly at the moment, whereas the clothing industry has had to do quite a lot,' said Dr Megson. He is worried about gym users applying make-up. 'I'd expect people to get more exposure through make-up than clothes. A lot of people now wear make-up in the gym because they want to look good while exercising. So they go for the really tough 72-hour formulas because they don't want it to run. The reason it stays on so well is because it's packed with PFAS, which resist sweat and water.' Many everyday cosmetics like nail polish, lipstick, mascara, and foundation contain chemicals PFAS, added because they help make products more durable, waterproof, and longer-lasting. Natural and organic beauty products often avoid these synthetic chemicals altogether. Several UK brands now offer PFAS-free nail varnishes and polishes that focus on safer, non-toxic ingredients. Popular options include Zoya, known for formulas free from harmful chemicals like PFAS and Piggy Paint, which provides non-toxic, water-based polishes safe for sensitive skin. Axiology offers clean beauty products with PFAS-free nail polishes. Ditch ready meals and plastic packaging 'Fast food packaging is another unnecessary use of PFAS. It's done purely for convenience. It's there to stop grease from soaking through. We don't want a greasy stain on our shorts or trousers when we're eating a burger. But in warm, moist conditions, like with a wrapped burger, more chemicals can transfer. So it's an extra load we really don't need,' says Dr Megson. 'Pizza boxes are some of the worst and most unnecessary use of PFAS,' says Prof Cousins. 'Instead of using chemicals to stop the fats from the pizza escaping the box, they should make thicker boxes.' Some PFAS-free alternatives include uncoated paper and cardboard, which are suitable for dry foods like sandwiches and pastries and can be recycled or composted. Bioplastic-coated paper, made with plant-based polylactic acid (PLA), offers compostable options. Containers made from sugarcane byproducts, known as bagasse, are naturally grease- and water-resistant, microwave-safe, and home compostable, making them ideal for takeaway plates and containers. However, the raised awareness about PFAS is having an impact on businesses. McDonald's has committed to eliminating them from its food packaging globally by 2025. While US Tex-Mex chain Chipotle committed to eliminating PFAS from all packaging by 2024 and has made significant progress. Stop using throw-away coffee cups To keep hot drinks from soaking through paper cups, they are lined with a thin layer of plastic-like material. 'These cups contain PFAS,' said Prof Cousins. 'Remember though that not all PFAS are the same. They have short chains unlike the older ones that were banned. These substances have not so far been linked to human health effects. However, they are persistent and will accumulate in the environment, which is not a good thing. Toxicity is about dose, so if they continue to accumulate, they are likely to be a problem in the future.' If you're concerned, a simple way to steer clear is to carry a reusable cup made from materials like stainless steel, glass or silicone. What else we should be aware of? Both Dr Megson and Prof Cousins says that we absorb a lot of PFAS through the food chain. 'I wouldn't eat any fish or shellfish from Morecambe Bay. I wouldn't touch the estuary because it is terribly contaminated, says Prof Cousins. I'd be suspicious of eggs reared at home or in these areas, and home-grown vegetables if you live near a hot spot. I would avoid freshwater fish from polluted rivers.' Strawberries sold in the UK have been found to contain high levels of pesticide residues that include PFAS. A 2022 review of government testing data, analysed by Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK), found that nearly all of the strawberry samples, 95 per cent, contained traces of PFAS-related pesticides. Strawberries appear to be particularly vulnerable due to the types of pesticides used, and the fruit's porous surface. Other fruits and vegetables, including grapes, spinach, cherries, and tomatoes were also found to carry PFAS residues. We even ingest PFAS through meat, butter and eggs 'We get a lot of our PFAS in our bodies from our diet,' says Dr Megson. Wastewater sludge or slurry which is used as a fertiliser is packed full of PFAS. Animals grazing on contaminated land or drinking polluted water can accumulate PFAS in their tissues, which then passes up to the food chain to humans. Going organic is the best solution to avoid PFAS. Washing fruit and vegetables thoroughly to try to remove as much of them as possible. Can you remove PFAS from the body? Recent research has shown that donating blood or plasma and taking specific medications can help reduce PFAS levels in the body. A 2022 Australian study found that regular blood donations lowered PFAS concentrations by about 10 per cent, while plasma donations, which remove more of the protein-bound PFAS, reduced levels by up to 30 per cent over a year. Additionally, clinical trials are exploring the use of cholestyramine, used to lower cholesterol. This medication binds to PFAS in the digestive system, helping eliminate them through the liver. While these methods don't eliminate PFAS entirely, they offer promising ways to reduce the body's chemical burden, especially for those with high exposure. How are microplastics and PFAS linked? PFAS and microplastics can be linked. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles (less than 5mm) that result from the breakdown of larger plastic waste or are manufactured at that size, commonly polluting oceans, soil, and even food. PFAS can bind to or coat microplastics in the environment, effectively hitching a ride on these tiny plastic particles. This combination may increase the potential for PFAS to enter the food chain, as microplastics are ingested by marine life and other organisms. So while they are chemically distinct, they can interact and amplify each other's environmental impact.
The Guardian
3 days ago
- The Guardian
Scientists warn against attempts to change definition of ‘forever chemicals'
A group of 20 internationally renowned scientists have issued a strong warning against attempts to narrow the definition of 'forever chemicals' in what they describe as a politically or economically motivated effort to weaken regulation of the potentially harmful chemicals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (Pfas) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used for their oil-, water- and stain-resistant properties in a range of consumer and industrial products from waterproof clothing and non-stick cookware to firefighting foams and electronics. Their molecular structure makes them resistant to degradation, earning them the nickname 'forever chemicals'. In the last few years there has been growing awareness of the problems associated with Pfas, and a push for more stringent regulation, resulting in the banning of certain forms. A group of scientists are now raising the alarm about efforts, including by some individuals and groups in the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUpac), to narrow the current international definition of Pfas in ways that could exclude certain chemical subgroups. Last year IUpac launched a project aimed at providing 'a rigorous definition … and a harmonised communication on Pfas'. A paper authored by the chair of the project gives credibility to narrower classification proposals and says it is necessary to find 'a balance among scientific rigour, economic considerations, and social perspectives for effective Pfas regulation'. But in a paper published this week in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the group of scientists defends the current definition, calling it 'scientifically grounded, unambiguous, and well-suited to identify these chemicals'. The effort to change the definition is 'politically and/or economically, rather than scientifically, motivated', the authors write. 'They are mixing up the chemical definition of Pfas with a regulatory definition of Pfas,' said Prof Ian Cousins from the University of Stockholm. 'The OECD [Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development] definition was not intended to be a regulatory definition … the confusion it causes will also be damaging and I suspect that causing confusion is one of their objectives.' The authors warn: 'An IUpac-endorsed and potentially narrower Pfas definition could confer undue legitimacy … and influence regulatory bodies and others to adopt less protective policies.' If the definition of Pfas were narrowed, it could drastically reduce the scope of regulation regimes currently being worked out in the EU and UK, limiting the number of substances subject to control, undermining monitoring efforts and potentially weakening public health and environmental protections, according to the scientists. Prof Pierangelo Metrangolo, co-chair of the IUpac project, said 'the scientific rationale was the vibrant debate in the literature – reflecting differing opinions – and the fact that various regulatory agencies use different definitions. Therefore, we believed an IUpac project was timely. 'Currently, the TG [task group] has not finalised any conclusion, yet, and there are no indications that certain subgroups of chemicals would be excluded. More importantly, the IUpac has not 'endorsed' anything, yet.' Prof Alex Ford from the University of Portsmouth, said: 'Chemical industries and their lobbyists have used deny, deflect, sow doubt and delay tactics in the past to prevent and slow regulation on chemicals. 'The UK is still in the process of deciding how it will deal with Pfas compounds. Past experience has shown that confusion over the definition of harmful contaminants can cause substantial delays in their scrutiny and regulation.' The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs said it generally followed the OECD definition but that it did not discount the need for narrower definitions in certain contexts. In their paper, the scientists conclude by urging policymakers to continue using the OECD definition as the basis for harmonised regulation. 'Justified exemptions can be made … without changing the general definition of what constitutes a Pfas,' they write.
The Sun
5 days ago
- The Sun
Households warned over common vape mistake that can cause ‘ferocious' toxic fires that are nearly impossible to put out
VAPERS have been warned over a common mistake that could cause their devices to erupt into "ferocious" toxic fires. The lithium batteries inside vapes can have a severe chemical reaction if the devices are treated recklessly, fire safety experts have warned. 6 6 6 Throwing them around or dropping them too much can damage the batteries over time. 'Given we commonly keep smaller vapes in our pockets, if they fail and catch fire it's not uncommon to see serious burns as a result," Giuseppe Capanna, product safety expert at charity Electrical Safety First, told The Sun. "If a vape is substandard, exposed to high temperatures, short circuits or becomes damaged, it risks causing a toxic fire caused by a chemical reaction inside the battery cells. "This process, called thermal runway, creates ferocious fires releasing a large amount of energy in a short space of time." It's also important to use the right charging cable, and avoid leaving a vape in high temperatures or submerged in water. "If you own a vape it's really important you treat it with care, avoid carelessly throwing it around which may cause the battery inside to become damaged over time," explained Capanna. "Ensure you use a compatible charger for your device and keep it away from areas where it may be exposed to high temperatures or risk coming into contact with water." It follows a government ban on single-use vapes, primarily due to environmental concerns and a rise in youth vaping. Since 1 June 2025, businesses have had to stop selling or supplying all single-use or 'disposable' vapes. As well as being an eyesore, littered vapes - both single-use and reusable - can also be a fire risk. They also introduce harmful chemicals into the soil, rivers and streams, so it's "vital" they are recycled, according to Capanna. "Incorrectly disposing of your vape in your household bin risks it becoming crushed when being processed in the back of the lorry, triggering waste collection fires that release toxic fumes," he said. "When your vape comes to the end of its life, either check if your local retailer offers a take back scheme to safely hand in your battery, or find your nearest recycling centre that will accept battery powered devices." 6 The London Fire Brigade has warned that here has been an uptick in vape-related fires across the UK, due to the devices being incorrectly thrown away in normal waste. When the lithium batteries become crushed in waste collection vehicles on their way to the landfill they can spark fires. Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. London Fire Brigade A London Fire Brigade spokesperson told The Sun: "Fires involving vapes can occur when the lithium-ion batteries that power them fail or become damaged or crushed. "Lithium batteries store a lot of energy in a small space and although lithium-ion battery products that have been built to a poor standard are a higher fire risk, any battery is at risk of exploding and catching fire if it has been crushed or becomes damaged. "When lithium-ion battery fires happen, they can be ferocious and can spread in seconds." Between 2020 to 2024, the London Fire Brigade was called out to 41 vape-related fires, occurring in homes, shops, and even hospitals. Six fire engines and approximately 40 firefighters were dispatched to tackle a blaze at a shop in Harlesden in August 2024, which was believed to have been sparked by a faulty vape's lithium battery. Photos provided by the London Fire Brigade show blackened rooms blanketed with ash. 6 In April 2024, a day ward at Hampstead hospital was left damaged after the lithium battery in a rechargeable vape exploded in a visitor's bag. Another photo from the brigade shows a South London home ravaged by a vape-related fire. A bedroom has been reduced to ashes, with all contents inside obliterated. Another risky mistake is to charge vapes by the bed or sofa. Glenn Flannery, commercial director at fire alarm systems provider Spy Alarms, warned that this is a "definite no-no". "These devices often come without standards such as CE or ISO marking and therefore fall into a similar risk bracket as things like e-scooters. "However, due to their size and nature, we often find them being charged by the bed or the sofa... The primary fire hazard linked to vapes is their lithium-ion batteries, which can fail catastrophically if damaged, improperly charged, or poorly manufactured." REDUCE THE RISK According to Spy Alarm, households should take the following precautions to reduce the risk of a vape-related fire: Use only the charger supplied with the vape or one recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid charging overnight or while unattended. Most vape-related fires happen when people are asleep or away. Regularly inspect the device and battery for signs of damage, bulging, or leakage. Buy vape devices and batteries from reputable suppliers. Avoid counterfeit or unbranded products. Don't modify the device or attempt DIY repairs. Stop using the device if it gets excessively hot during use or charging. Unplug chargers when not in use. Install working smoke alarms on every floor of the home and test them regularly. Do not carry loose batteries in your pocket or bag. Use a battery case to prevent accidental short circuits. Store vape batteries in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. 6
