Toxic flame retardant compounds have been detected in all US coastal waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Back in 1996 NOAA researchers found polybrominated diphenyl ethers only in a limited number of sites. Now an analysis of sediments and mussels shows they are detectable in all coastal waters and the Great Lakes.

“This is a wake-up call for Americans concerned about the health of our coastal waters and their personal health,” says John Dunnigan, NOAA assistant administrator of the National Ocean Service (press release). “Scientific evidence strongly documents that these contaminants impact the food web and action is needed to reduce the threats posed to aquatic resources and human health.”

The report notes that laboratory studies suggest these compounds can impair liver and thyroid development. At least a decade ago some had already dubbed them ‘the new PCB’, a reference to the controversy over the banned polychlorinated biphenyls compounds. PBDEs are already banned in Europe.

Local coverage

NOAA report: Flame retardants found in samples from Puget Sound – Seattle Times

Flame retardant chemical found in all coastal waters, report says – The Oregonian

Flame retardant, banned in Maine, found in shellfish – Kennebec Journal

Image: Image: National Distribution of PBDE tissue concentration in parts per billion lipid weight between 2004 and 2007). Categories low (green), Medium (yellow), High (red) / NOAA