Notable contaminants present in geese
A examine launched within the Feb. 2025 difficulty of Science of the Complete Setting assessed the environmental contaminants ranges of generally harvested waterfowl species alongside the Atlantic flyway.
Researchers examined 108 hunter-killed birds from throughout New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New Jersey. They measured ranges of a number of high-profile contaminants in mallards, green-winged teals, American black geese, wooden geese, and Canada geese.
The examine reported a number of key findings, together with:
- Mercury ranges have been detected in most birds in comparatively low concentrations.
- Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been detected in all birds in comparatively low concentrations.
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in all birds.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been detected in all birds.
Not one of the 4 containment teams reached “regarding” thresholds individually. Nevertheless, the examine authors deemed them each most cancers and non-cancer dangers when thought of cumulatively. The presence of PFAS and PCBs was particularly regarding. PFAS, a gaggle of artificial chemical compounds utilized in non-stick coatings, waterproofing, and industrial functions, are an rising chemical of concern. PCBs are a contaminant utilized in electronics till their ban within the Nineteen Seventies, and are a recognized carcinogen and endocrine disruptor.
Findings counsel Canada geese and wooden geese have considerably fewer contaminants than the opposite three duck species. The authors concluded that environmental contaminant levels are doubtless species dependent, and that existing consumption advisories ought to focus extra on particular person species and cumulative results.
The authors of the examine recommend a most of eight meals of duck per yr to keep away from most cancers and non-cancer dangers.
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