Title: Chemical Pollution : Ocean Health Index
Headings: Chemical Pollution
Chemical Pollution
Overview
How Was It Measured?
Chemical Pollution Infographic
Oil
What Are The Impacts?
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
HUMAN HEALTH IMPACT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution [WHOI]
U.S. Senate Committee on Environment & Public Works
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]
Toxic Metals
What Are The Impacts?
Mercury Pollution Cycle
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
HUMAN HEALTH IMPACT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
What Has Been Done?
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United States Environmental Protection Agency [EPA]
Turtle Island Restoration Network
European Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL)
Persistent Organic Pollutants [POPs]
What Are The Impacts?
ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
HUMAN HEALTH IMPACT
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Blue Voice
Webpage for the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
World Bank
References

Content: After 20 years, oil pollution from the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill in Alaska persists, in some areas, is nearly as toxic as initial levels (Exxon Valdez Trustee Council 2009; Raloff 2009). Events such as the Exxon Valdez spill and the large spill resulting from the explosion of BP's Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico have substantial effects that should be visible in regional assessments, but are probably not large enough to be seen in global-scale studies. What Are The Impacts? ECOLOGICAL IMPACT
Oil pollution can degrade or destroy marine ecosystems. Oil pollution can elevate concentrations of toxic elements (e.g. arsenic). Oil pollution can kill marine life through ingestion, inhalation and absorption. Oil pollution can kill marine life through ingestion, inhalation or absorption. Because oil sticks to fur and feathers, seals, sealions and birds lose the insulation that those structures normally provide. Oiled birds are also unable to fly.