Today, (Thursday 3 November 2005) a Greenpeace study shoews how toxic man-made chemicals are contaminating the European eel population [1]. The study of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from 20 rivers and lakes in 10 EU countries [2] found that eels from every location contained residues of at least one brominated flame retardant (BFR) compound, indicating the widespread dispersal of these chemicals in European waters. Levels of BFRs found in a sample of UK eels from the River Thames were more than double those recorded in the majority of other samples in this study.
“People eating eels, including the traditional Cockney delicacy of jellied eels, could be adding significantly to their daily intake of these and other persistent, hazardous chemicals” said Dr David Santillo, Senior Scientist with the Greenpeace Research Laboratories. “At the same time, it is important not to forget the threats to the birds, otters and other wildlife which rely on eels as a source of food, and to the eels themselves, especially in the lead-up to spawning.”
Swimming in dangerous waters; UK eels show highest levels of fire retardent toxic chemicals in European study »
