Stain-resistant osprey and non-stick fish

Although ospreys don’t wear stain-resistant clothing or live in homes with stain-resistant carpeting, a new study released yesterday has found high levels of stain-resistant chemicals in osprey eggs along the lower Columbia River. Researchers also found the chemicals in fish, rivers, and lakes throughout Washington state, providing more evidence that these toxic chemicals used to make products in our homes are ending up in the environment.

The Washington State Department of Ecology study tested surface waters, fish, and osprey eggs for man-made chemicals called perfluorinated compounds or PFCs. PFCs are used to make stain-resistant and non-stick chemicals commonly found in non-stick cookware, food packaging like pizza boxes and microwave popcorn, and stain-resistant material for clothing, furniture, and carpeting.

Because PFCs don’t breakdown for long periods of time, they build up in the food chain. Researchers suspect osprey eggs have high levels of PFCs because the birds eat large amounts of fish contaminated with PFCs. Those chemicals build up in their bodies and eggs.

Scientists have started sounding the alarm on PFCs. Studies link the chemicals to cancer, liver and kidney problems, low-birth weight, and high cholesterol.

Ecology’s study further bolsters their decision to develop plans to phase-out and reduce the use of the chemicals as part of Washington state’s first-in-the-nation Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxics Program. This program is now a model for federal legislation recently introduced in Congress called the Toxic Chemicals Safety Act. Under the current federal proposal, some PFCs could face immediate reduction measures.

Fortunately, Washington state has decided to stay ahead of the curve as a time line for passage of the federal legislation is uncertain. Governor Gregoire noted the importance of state action on these chemicals:

We couldn’t agree more and look forward to the speedy development and implementation of Ecology’s phase-out plan. We'll also be watching Ecology's efforts to make children's products safer and working hard to make sure the federal legislation remains strong and passes quickly. But until then, sadly, you won’t have to worry if you spill red wine on an osprey. It won’t stain.

Osprey photo courtesy of Flickr user mikebaird.

Osprey spilling wine and fish with egg courtesy of WTC Communications Manager Josh Schramm.