Toxic chemicals from toilet paper have been found in the bodies of British Columbia‘s endangered orcas, according to a study conducted by marine scientists.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia analyzed tissue samples from six southern resident killer whales and six Bigg’s whales, also known as transient killer whales, stranded along the coast of B.C. between 2006 and 2018.
Dr. Juan José Alava, co-author of the study, said in an interview Thursday that the findings left him and other researchers “shocked and saddened.”
He said the toxic chemical substances could affect killer whales’ hormone systems, disrupting physiological function and making them susceptible to diseases.
The findings were published last month in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
A news release from UBC said one of the most common pollutants found in the killer whales’ bodies was 4-nonylphenol, which is often found in toilet paper and can influence the nervous system.
In addition to toilet paper pulp, it is also used in soap, detergents and textile processing, and is listed as a toxic substance in Canada.
It was the most common single pollutant found in the whales, making up 46 per cent of the total identified chemicals.
Another group of toxic pollutants of great concern is known as “forever chemicals” since they can last for a long time in the environment, said Alava, who is also the principal investigator of the ocean pollution research unit at UBC.
These made up just over half of the contaminants found in the whales, the university said.
“Forever chemicals are the groups of contaminants that can cause immunotoxicity, making marine mammals like killer whales more susceptible to pathologies and emerging infectious diseases,” said Alava.
The chemicals are used in food-packaging materials, stains, cookware and fire extinguishers.
One such compound, known as 7:3 FTCA, had not been found in B.C. before, but was the most common of the forever pollutants found in the whales’ bodies, Alava said in the UBC statement.
The various toxins leaked into the ocean via sewage treatment plants and industrial runoff before entering the food chain, Alava said.
He said in the interview it was time to call for more “strict regulations and prevention actions” to limit the containment emissions into the oceans, especially since southern resident killer whales are endangered.
“It raised a red flag that we need to continue to monitor and enforce more regulatory efforts to conserve and keep the survival of our southern resident killer whales,” said Alava.
He said tissue samples from one pair of southern resident killer whales showed researchers that the pollutants could be transferred from mother whales to their calves, perhaps explaining a low survival rate of killer whales’ first-born calves, said Alava.
“Their mother was being exposed to all these toxic plastic mixtures all the time.”
Chemical pollution wasn’t just of concern because of its impact on marine life, said Alava.
“We are also mammals, breathe the air and eat the salmon as well. Prevention is better than cure; we need to look for a precautionary approach to avoid the emission of chemicals into the environment,” said Alava.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 12, 2023.
This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Meta and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
EDMONTON – RCMP say a second suspect has been arrested in the killing of an Alberta county worker.
Mounties say 28-year-old Elijah Strawberry was taken into custody Friday at a house on O’Chiese First Nation.
Colin Hough, a worker with Rocky View County, was shot and killed while on the job on a rural road east of Calgary on Aug. 6.
Another man who worked for Fortis Alberta was shot and wounded, and RCMP said the suspects fled in a Rocky View County work truck.
Police later arrested Arthur Wayne Penner, 35, and charged him with first-degree murder and attempted murder, and a warrant was issued for Strawberry’s arrest.
RCMP also said there was a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Strawberry, describing him as armed and dangerous.
Chief Supt. Roberta McKale, told a news conference in Edmonton that officers had received tips and information over the last few weeks.
“I don’t know of many members that when were stopped, fuelling up our vehicles, we weren’t keeping an eye out, looking for him,” she said.
But officers had been investigating other cases when they found Strawberry.
“Our investigators were in O’Chiese First Nation at a residence on another matter and the major crimes unit was there working another file and ended up locating him hiding in the residence,” McKale said.
While an investigation is still underway, RCMP say they’re confident both suspects in the case are in police custody.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
RICHMOND, B.C. – The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team says the 26-year-old son of a man found dead on British Columbia’s Sunshine Coast has been charged with his murder.
Police say 58-year-old Henry Doyle was found badly injured on a forest service road in Egmont last September and died of his injuries.
The homicide team took over when the BC Coroners Service said the man’s death was suspicious.
It says in a statement that the BC Prosecution Service has approved one count of first-degree murder against the man’s son, Jackson Doyle.
Police say the accused will remain in custody until at least his next court appearance.
The homicide team says investigators remained committed to solving the case with the help of the community of Egmont, the RCMP on the Sunshine Coast and in Richmond, and the Vancouver Police Department.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
VANCOUVER – Mediated talks between the union representing HandyDART workers in Metro Vancouver and its employer, Transdev, have broken off without an agreement following 15 hours of talks.
Joe McCann, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1724, says they stayed at the bargaining table with help from a mediator until 2 a.m. Friday and made “some progress.”
However, he says the union negotiators didn’t get an offer that they could recommend to the membership.
McCann says that in some ways they are close to an agreement, but in other areas they are “miles apart.”
About 600 employees of the door-to-door transit service for people who can’t navigate the conventional transit system have been on strike since last week, pausing service for all but essential medical trips.
McCann asks HandyDART users to be “patient,” since they are trying to get not only a fair contract for workers but also a better service for customers.
He says it’s unclear when the talks will resume, but he hopes next week at the latest.
The employer, Transdev, didn’t reply to an interview request before publication.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 13, 2024.
