Deep-Sea DDT Contamination Persists off Los Angeles Coast
LOS ANGELES, CA (May 7, 2024) — Researchers from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography and San Diego State University have discovered residues of the pesticide DDT in deep-sea fish and sediments off the coast of Los Angeles, near the historic Catalina Island dump site.
The findings, published in “Environmental Science and Technology Letters,” reveal that chemicals related to DDT, banned in 1972, are still entering the marine food chain.
The study, supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, examined species frequently targeted by commercial and recreational fishing. These findings extend the legacy of the Montrose Chemical Corporation, which legally discharged DDT-laden waste into the ocean from the late 1940s until the early 1960s.
This ongoing DDT contamination in the LA coast poses significant risks to marine life and human health, with the EPA designating the area as a Superfund site in 1996. The presence of DDT has been linked to health issues in several marine species, affecting local ecosystems critically.
For those affected by this environmental issue, whether through health complications or economic impact, legal assistance is available. RTM Law Firm helps victims claim compensation for injuries, illnesses, and losses due to company negligence and recklessness. Contact our personal injury attorneys for a free consultation and find out if you or a loved one are eligible to file a claim.
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