Southern resident killer whalesare an endangered population of the famous black-and-white marine animals also known as orcas.
A new study suggests certain chemical contaminants may be implicated in the orcas' decline.
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The compound 4-nonylphenol (4NP) is associated with paper processing and is often used in toilet paper production.
It’s listedas a toxic substance in Canadaand can impact the nervous system and cognitive function.
The study is the first to find 4NP in killer whales.
They arelisted as an endangered speciesin both the US and Canada.
It could have implications for human health as well, since people eat the same salmon the whales do.
“This research is a wake-up call,” saidJuan Jose Alava, study co-author.
“Southern residents are an endangered population and it could be that contaminants are contributing to their population decline.
We can’t wait to protect this species.”
