Revisiting DDT Pollution in California Wildlife 50 Years After Its Ban
DDT, once hailed as a wonder insecticide, was banned in the U.S. over 50 years ago due to its cancer risk and ecosystem damage. Yet coastal Southern California remains a hotspot; wastewater from a former DDT plant near L.A. and an offshore barrel dump by Catalina Island continue to leach this persistent toxin into our oceans.
Dr. Eunha Hoh, Professor of Environmental Health, School of Public Health at SDSU, and her team analyzed blubber from seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals (nature’s “chemical sponges”) and found the highest DDT concentrations ever reported worldwide. They identified over 45 DDT-related compounds, including unexpected impurities from the original DDT formulation. Even California condors along the coast carry a heavier DDT load than their inland counterparts. Dr. Hoh will share how DDT and its chemical cousins accumulate in coastal wildlife, the potential health effects on these sentinel species, and why these findings raise fresh concerns for human exposure along our shores.
Here's the Zoom link for anyone who wants to attend online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89858088325?pwd=Qi9HUTBGYzRJMGR1Z0dQcXlCTytjdz09
Meeting ID: 898 5808 8325
Passcode: 375172
For those on Zoom, here's a link to the program with lyrics!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CIbzGyrJ4pPjwHUtQiMxTfR7YGVBz6ND/view?usp=drive_link
Stay after the assembly for coffee, snacks, and our 2nd annual cookie bakeoff event! The bakeoff is free to anyone, but if you want to help choose which entry will win the coveted Best Bake award, a judging ticket is $5. Please RSVP separately for that event here:
https://www.meetup.com/sunday-assembly-san-diego/events/305601160/
Sunday Assembly San Diego is an inclusive, non-religious community that meets to hear inspirational talks, connect for service projects, sing songs and generally celebrate life. Assemblies are free to attend, and everyone is welcome. AND!! Free child care for ages 1.5 and up is available at every Assembly.
Some of the best community time is staying after the assembly for coffee, snacks and delicious baked goods and to hang out with other assemblers, so please do.
The Bankers Hill Club features an accessible facility, including accessible parking spots and bathrooms.
Also check out other Health & Wellness events in San Diego, Meetups in San Diego, Music events in San Diego.
