How hooded seals are transferring contaminants to their pups
Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 06:01
in Biology & Nature
Environmental contaminants such as PFASs can be transferred from mother to offspring through the placenta and mother's milk, exposing the young mammal before and after birth. PFASs are a family of human-made chemicals, which have been used in a number of consumer products such as textiles, carpets, paper plates and food packaging because they repel grease, water and stains and are heat resistant. Since it was discovered that they pose a risk to wildlife and human health, some PFASs have been phased out of use, but they have not been universally banned.