Latest news with #Jean-LucCartron
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists raise red flags after US lake sets shocking world record: 'We are worried'
Late in 2024, scientists announced they had discovered world-record levels of toxic "forever chemicals" in a New Mexico lake. Their newest study confirmed the results and analyzed the factors that contributed to this contamination. The research expanded on the first study to examine PFAS contamination in the waters of Holloman Lake along with soils, plants, algae, fish, reptiles, and various species of birds and mammals, according to a summary from the University of New Mexico published by All the samples had very high PFAS concentrations, up to or exceeding 10,000 times what the Environmental Protection Agency recommends in its drinking water standards. Lake waters showed the highest concentration of PFAS anywhere in the world to date, as did one plant composite sample. The team also discovered the highest PFAS concentration recorded in a bird to date. The scientists found that the contamination extends beyond the lake itself, and they linked this to past flooding events. For instance, the most contaminated soil sample was located downstream from the lake. In the past, water from the lake sometimes flowed past a dam and into a network of playas — "shallow, generally circular, depressions with clay-lined basins" that "form at the lowest point in an enclosed watershed" and often serve as temporary lakes, according to the university. The scientists don't know how contaminated the playas in the area might be but stated that they can serve as important habitats for migratory birds. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have been linked to a number of health concerns, including decreased fertility, increased risk of cancer, and reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infections. The scientists are worried that migratory birds will become heavily contaminated at Holloman Lake and then move on to other areas, putting hunters and people elsewhere at risk. They also recorded a herd of oryx — a nonnative African big-game species that was released in the region from 1969 and 1977 — visiting the lake to drink and are worried that hunters could ingest contaminated meat. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The Santa Fe New Mexican added that consuming just one bite of meat from a Holloman Lake duck would expose someone to more PFAS than is recommended for a lifetime. "We are worried about the possibility of toxicity on reproduction and development in local birds, some of them sensitive species like the snowy plover," study lead author Jean-Luc Cartron said. "Contamination by PFAS could also be transgenerational, with contamination affecting not just animals living at or visiting Holloman Lake but also future generations." Though Holloman is the most PFAS-laden lake discovered so far, there are a number of other large water bodies contaminated with these chemicals. For instance, one study found forever chemicals all over the Great Lakes Basin, including in air, rain, and water. In January, the New Mexico Department of Health issued an advisory for anyone who has eaten or captured wildlife from Holloman Lake in the past decade, urging them to speak to their medical provider. Hunting has been prohibited there since 2024. And though PFAS are known for being difficult to remove from the environment, scientists have made breakthroughs, which could help safeguard people and wildlife in the future. For instance, researchers at the University of Illinois found a way to remove the full spectrum of PFAS from water in a single process, and a team at the University of Rochester is doing similar work. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Scientists make concerning discovery after examining turtle eggshells: 'We really need to jump on this issue'
New evidence out of Australia shows that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals, can have major health impacts on wildlife. An Australian research team captured freshwater turtles from three sites around Queensland — one with a high level of PFAS, one with a moderate amount, and one with barely discernible levels. These turtles and their lab-incubated hatchlings were given physical and chemical exams, and their eggshells were tested. For those that had been exposed to PFAS, "We found a whole range of biomarkers that are indicative of cancer and other health problems within reptiles," environmental biochemist and author of the study David Beale told Science News. The publication reported that most of the PFAS bioaccumulation in adults occurred in the females' ovaries, but they also discovered it in other organs including the liver, kidneys, and heart. The turtles also passed PFAS accumulation onto their offspring, as lab hatchlings were born with high levels of PFAS in their bodies and a "concerning" level of deformities. The scientists, who had their work published in the Science of the Total Environment journal, also noted a lack of juveniles in the PFAS-polluted sites, indicating short life cycles. They surmised that their deformities could make them an easier target for other species looking for dinner or that their health problems lead to premature death. Jean-Luc Cartron, a biologist at the University of New Mexico, who was not involved with the research, called the findings "a little scary." "We really need to jump on this issue of ecological toxicity," he told Science News. "If the [study] authors are right, and the lack of juveniles that they see out in the environment is caused by PFAS, we don't want to wait until we're missing one whole full generation of animals." This study helps to fill in the scant knowledge we have on how PFAS affects wild animals. This group of around 15,000 compounds has already been linked to health issues like decreased fertility, increased risk of some cancers, and reduced ability of the body's immune system to fight infection in humans, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While concerning news for the turtles, their demise could also have major impacts on human populations. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For instance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service explains that freshwater turtles spread seeds that keep woodlands and riverbanks healthy. This, in turn, helps support the economic and nutritional needs of local communities. These reptiles also eat algae and the organisms that feed on it, thereby helping to maintain clean waterways. This helps support healthy fish populations, which many communities rely on for food and jobs. In order to protect turtles — and ourselves — from PFAS contamination, we must reduce our exposure to these chemicals. Several countries have already banned certain PFAS compounds or imposed restrictions on them. For instance, PFOA was banned globally in 2020 as part of the Stockholm Convention, a health treaty among 186 countries. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency started phasing out PFAS in 2006 and is continuing to take action to combat these chemicals. Plus, scientists are developing methods that can help break down these substances in water. For instance, a team from the University of Illinois found a way to remove the full spectrum of PFAS from water in a single process. Scientists at the University of Rochester are doing similar work. One thing that every single person can do is seek PFAS-free brands. You can also limit your exposure — and the amount of PFAS being released into the environment — by opting for nonstick cookware and limiting your purchases of stain- or water-resistant clothing. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
