PCBs and DDT contamination in the seas around Japan" - May 15, 1998

PCBs and DDT contamination in the seas around Japan" - May 15, 1998

A study by Ehime University has detected high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in killer whales and sablefish caught in the waters around Japan. Although these chemicals were widely used in the past, their production and use have been banned due to their toxicity. However, these substances do not decompose easily in the natural environment and remain in the environment for long periods of time.

PCBs were used as insulating oil for electrical equipment and cooling liquid for heat exchangers, but when released into the environment, they have an adverse effect on ecosystems and are particularly prone to accumulate in marine organisms. DDT has been widely used as a pesticide.

Research indicates that the main cause of the detection of these chemicals is improper disposal and management in developing Asian countries. This has resulted in the contamination of marine organisms in the seas around Japan, with particularly high concentrations accumulating in killer whales and pilot whales, which are at the top of the food chain.

This contamination is feared to have a serious impact on the entire marine ecosystem, and international cooperation in countermeasures is required. The Japanese government is also expected to take prompt and effective action to address this issue. It is also important to provide consumers with information on the safety of marine products.