Thursday 17 February 2005

Chemicals ranging from banned pesticides like DDT to modern flame retardants - used in furniture and electrical equipment - are building up in arctic wildlife. Some are affecting the immune, hormone and reproductive systems in polar bears and others are building-up in fish, seals and whale populations.

UK waters are also affected by the increasing problem of chemical contaminants in the arctic. Birds, fish, seals and ocean sediments around Britain's North Sea coast have all been found to be contaminated with chlorinated paraffins - chemicals used in paints, glues, leather and rubber processing.

The new WWF report - The tip of the iceberg: Chemical contamination in the Arctic - shows that air, river and ocean currents carry man-made chemicals from the industrialised countries, where they were made and used, to the polar environment.

Ice then traps contaminants, meaning they are gradually released into the environment during melting periods, often years later - even after they have been banned. As a result, the Arctic is becoming the chemical sink of the globe.

Elizabeth Salter Green head of the WWF UK Toxics Programme, said: "This is a catastrophe for the Arctic. Contamination is increasing and more and more chemicals are being found in Arctic species.

"These aren't all banned pesticides like DDT, but commonly used substances like flame retardants from furniture and chemicals from the manufacture of things like non-stick pans, too.

"This trend will continue if we don't take action. Regulation of the chemicals industry has to improve - and quickly. REACH, the new EU chemical legislation, provides an opportunity to set a new global standard, putting chemical production and use on a safe and sustainable path."

Many Arctic animals, such as polar bears, seals and whales, have a thick layer of body fat that helps them keep warm and gives them energy throughout the year. But the fat also stores chemicals, allowing them to build-up to very high levels.

"Arctic contamination has serious implications for wildlife but also for indigenous peoples who rely on these species for food," added Elizabeth Salter Green.

"Strong chemical regulation is needed to prevent hazardous chemicals from reaching the Arctic in the first place."