News Animals

‘Forever chemicals’ could be aging dolphins beyond their years

Exposure to PFAS and metals affects dolphins in ways also concerning for human health

A photo of two common dolphins mid-jumping out of the water.

Six million common dolphins live in oceans around the world. How they respond to marine pollution can provide early warnings for human health.

NOAA NMFS

By Libby Riddle

Exposure to trace metals and “forever chemicals” may be prematurely aging dolphins, raising concerns about both marine pollution and human health impacts. 

Metals such as zinc and copper can wind up in the ocean from industrial waste and mining.