Mysterious New Cancer Killing California’s Sea Lions is Linked to Ocean Pollution

Researchers recently released information on a new cancer that’s harming the California sea lion population. The sea lions have been dying from a mysterious cancer for over 20 years, now scientists point to toxic chemicals from waste as the cause.

Source: The Marine Mammal Center (California)/YouTube

Frontiers in Marine Science published the findings, which show high concentrations of DDT, PCBs and other chemicals in their blubber. Sea lions afflicted with these chemicals at higher levels are more susceptible to cancer caused by a herpes virus. 18-23% of sea lions have died of the disease, the highest rate of a single type of cancer for any mammal, including humans.

Scientists point to important discoveries pertaining to the health of humans and our shared ocean environment. “The decades of research looking into this deadly disease clearly shows the ocean environment we all share is in trouble, and that we need to find solutions to protect our collective health,” said study co-author Pádraig Duignan, the chief pathologist at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, Calif.

To stop the cancer, scientists say that Pollution must be reduced. Humans also eat much of the same seafood that sea lions do. “The ocean is raising a loud and clear alarm in the sick bodies of a sentinel species,” Duignan said. “We need to continue this critical research and collaborate with the human cancer doctors to find patterns to help discover the link between sea lions and ourselves.”

Sign this petition to demand the EPA clean up the DDT in our oceans immediately!

Related Content:

• DDT, the California Condor, and a Decades-Long Battle with a Banned Pesticide
• Toxin Alert! Common Pesticides Used on Produce and How They Impact Humans and the Environment
• New Zealand Closes Down Road to Help Sea Lion Take Care of Her Pup
• Skin Disease Harming Dolphins Linked to Climate Change

There are products you may be using or habits you may have that contribute to ocean Pollution. Learn more about how the use of Teabags, Cotton Swabs, Laundry, Contact Lenses, Glitter, and Sheet Masks pollute our oceans so you can make more informed decisions going forward. There are also numerous simple actions and switches that can help cut plastic out of our lives including, making your own cosmetics, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, household cleaners, using mason jars, reusable bags/bottles/straws, and avoiding microbeads!