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Environmental Threats

Wastes from human activities can pose risks to the health of humans, animals and ecosystems. Scientific studies to understand the levels and effects of these pollutants are being conducted but are still limited.

The links below provide information on pollutant levels found in the U.S. population; at the regional ecosystem level in the Puget Sound; and within a population of marine mammals in our region.

In addition, Ecology is researching potential long-term performance indicators that could track the environmental effects of wastes and toxics in products. If an environmental indicator is developed, it will be included in the next Beyond Waste Progress Report update, currently scheduled for early 2008.

Pollution in Humans

Center for Disease Control - National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES)

Ecological Health of the Puget Sound

Puget Sound Action Team - 2007 State of the Sound Report

Pollution in Seals from British Columbia and Washington State

EPA Region 10/Environment Canada Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Indicators