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IN
PROFILE FIGURES

The Monaco Commission on Human ■ 140,000 new chemicals have been invented
Health and Ocean Pollution, and synthesised over the last 75 years.
co-chaired by Professor Patrick Rampal Most of them persistently contaminate the ocean.
(Monaco Scientific Centre) and Professor
Philip Landrigan (Boston College),
brings together around thirty leading
international researchers.

PLASTIC WASTE 1
An estimated 10 million metric tons of
plastic enter the seas each year. Plastic
pollution threatens marine mammals,
fish and seabirds. It breaks down into
microplastic and nanoplastic particles
that can enter the human food chain.

OIL SPILLS 2
Oil spills kill beneficial marine 3 MERCURY
microorganisms that produce Mercury is released from two
oxygen. They lead also to a main sources coal combustion
disruption of food sources and and small-scale gold mining.
destruction of fragile habitats Exposures of infants in utero
such as estuaries and coral reefs. when pregnant mothers eat
contaminated seafood can
cause IQ loss and serious
developmental disorders.
In adults, mercury increases
risks for dementia and
cardiovascular disease.

MANUFACTURED 4
CHEMICALS 5
Manufactured chemicals such PESTICIDES
as phtalates, bisphenol A, flame Pesticides sprayed on crops
retardants, perfluorinated often end up in the ocean via
chemicals and pharmaceutical rivers and watercourses. They
waste cause multiple diseases. contribute to global declines
They can also reduce human in fish stocks, and can also
fertility and damage coral reefs. reduce human fertility.

NUTRIENTS 6
Agricultural fertilizers, animal feedlot waste,
and human sewage increase the frequency of
harmful algal blooms, accelerate the spread
of life-threatening bacteria, and increase anti-
microbial resistance.