'Toxic stew' of chemicals causing male fish to carry eggs in testes

[Dover]

Source: Guardian


Intersex fish, found across the US, result from a mix of drugs that
mimic natural hormones, say scientists


More than 80% of the male bass fish in Washington's major river are now exhibiting female traits such as egg production because of a "toxic stew" of pollutants, scientists and campaigners reported yesterday.

Intersex fish probably result from drugs, such as the contraceptive pill, and other chemicals being flushed into the water and have been found right across the US.

The Potomac Conservancy, which focuses on Washington DC's river, called for new research to determine what was causing male smallmouth bass to carry immature eggs in their testes. "We have not been able to identify one particular chemical or one particular source," said Vicki Blazer, a fish biologist with the US geological survey. "We are still trying to get a handle on what chemicals are important."

But she said early evidence pointed to a mix of chemicals – commonly used at home as well as those used in large-scale farming operations – causing the deformities. The suspect chemicals mimic natural hormones and disrupt the endocrine system, with young fish being particularly susceptible.

The chemicals could include birth control pills and other drugs, toiletries especially those with fragrances, products such as tissues treated with antibacterial agents, or goods treated with flame retardants that find their way into waste water. However, Blazer also pointed to runoff from fertilisers and pesticides from agricultural areas... cont'd


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/21/toxic-stew-chemicals-fish-eggs

[Dover]

1. %%%%%%% EIGHTY PERCENT! %%%%%%%%

Which is why I don't eat ANY fish anymore. Too hard to track its source and SO many sources
unfit for any living thing in the food chain.

[Omaha Steve]

2. K&R!

[booksenkatz]

3. Whew! Good thing those chemicals don't affect humans at all!

:doireallyneedthesarcasmthingy:

[DeSwiss]

4. K&R n/t

[Ian David]

5. We should let the Free Market determine what fish do with their testicles.

:sacrasm:

[ensho]

6. they have known this for a number of years - you know it is affecting

humans too.

ask our doctors - maybe they will tell the truth. maybe they are afraid to.

[Evasporque]

7. you go genetically engineered hatchery boy/girl fishies...

So us that life finds a way...

[kpete]

8. 'Toxic stew' of chemicals causing male fish to carry eggs in testes-Intersex fish found across US

Source: Guardian UK


'Toxic stew' of chemicals causing male fish to carry eggs in testes

Intersex fish, found across the US, result from a mix of drugs that mimic natural hormones, say scientists


More than 80% of the male bass fish in Washington's major river are now exhibiting female traits such as egg production because of a "toxic stew" of pollutants, scientists and campaigners reported yesterday.

Intersex fish probably result from drugs, such as the contraceptive pill, and other chemicals being flushed into the water and have been found right across the US.

The Potomac Conservancy, which focuses on Washington DC's river, called for new research to determine what was causing male smallmouth bass to carry immature eggs in their testes. "We have not been able to identify one particular chemical or one particular source," said Vicki Blazer, a fish biologist with the US geological survey. "We are still trying to get a handle on what chemicals are important."

But she said early evidence pointed to a mix of chemicals – commonly used at home as well as those used in large-scale farming operations – causing the deformities. The suspect chemicals mimic natural hormones and disrupt the endocrine system, with young fish being particularly susceptible.


Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/apr/21/toxic-stew-chemicals-fish-eggs

[Oregone]

9. Say what you want, but I think they taste better that way

And hell, you can always collect roe for the steelies, no matter what you snag

[dorkulon]

10. I would think plastic leeching is a factor too.

Certain types of plastic leech an estrogen-like substance.

[ensho]

11. true

nt

[tom_paine]

12. Kind of gives new meaning to the words, "Go f&ck yourself," doesn't it?

What? This is a GOOD thing. This is PROGRESS.

Now the male bass fish can drink beer and watch sports, belch, fart, and scratch themselves as much as they please, without any women around.

:sarcasm:

[mzmolly]

13. Deregulation now!

Oh, wait...

[Trillo]

14. But the important thing is whether the fundamentalist heterosexual fish

are going after the male-female hybrids. Maybe they'll start a special, privatized school, just so they can get the hybrids/heathens grilled when they're younger.