By Jeff Rice
Original Posting Here
Thousands of different chemicals are flushed into Puget Sound every day through wastewater treatment plants, but some of these chemicals may cause more harm than others. Relatively benign compounds like caffeine and sucralose are found alongside cancer drugs and synthetic hormones that can disrupt the development and breeding of fish and other wildlife.
Scientists at the Puget Sound Institute are working to prioritize these contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) with an eye toward gauging which of these poorly understood chemicals are the most harmful and which should be targeted for further investigation. A recent study, in collaboration with researchers at Western Washington University, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Puyallup Tribe of Indians has identified 57 high priority CECs for further monitoring and research. Many of the chemicals on the list are synthetically derived but researchers also identified a prevalence of naturally occurring hormones that humans create in their own bodies. Among these are estrogens (like 17 beta-estradiol) which primarily originate from females but are excreted by all humans.
In studies published last year by the Puget Sound Institute in collaboration with the Puget Sound Ecosystem Monitoring Program, researchers found that concentrations of some estrogen hormones measured in English sole from Puget Sound matched concentrations previously shown to affect endocrine function. Traces of estrogen were also found in Chinook blood plasma in levels that raise worries about the potential effects on these endangered salmon.
Factor in no income tax and the fact that the Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the US, and it is easy to see why those who live in Washington live so long.
- Cost Of Living For One Adult, No Children: $40,722
- Median House Price: $562,290
- Median Rental Price: $1,995/month
- Crime Rate: 5,759 per 100,000 people
- Safety Index Rating: 19th safest state in the US
- Great Cities To Live In: Westlake, Education Hill, Southeast Redmond