Is Pollution Causing "Intersex" Fish?

(AP)  Several chemicals, including one banned in the United States, have been found in the Potomac River and its tributaries, where pollution is suspected of causing some species of male fish to develop female sexual traits, scientists said.

Water samples taken at eight sites in West Virginia and blood plasma from small-mouth bass were analyzed as part of an investigation into the increase of so called "intersex fish" in which males produce immature eggs in their testes, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

A study released Wednesday said pesticides, flame retardants, personal-care products and a banned fungicide were identified in the water or the fish.

Certain chemicals and pesticides are believed to stimulate estrogen production. Hormones produced by an organism's endocrine system govern sexual and reproductive characteristics.

"Endocrine disruptors of this type may contribute to the high percentage of male smallmouth bass found in the Potomac that exhibit female characteristics," the USGS said.

Potential sources of contamination include wastewater treatment plants, runoff from agricultural activities and industrial wastewater, the report said.

Further studies are planned to determine whether endocrine disruptors interfere with the reproduction and development of aquatic life, the USGS said.

The Environmental Protection Agency has been studying the issue of endocrine disruptors since 1996, but does not issue guidelines to water treatment plants for allowable levels of estrogenic compounds.

[mt5937]

The effects of this chemical have been seen in Congress over the last 30 years.

[ranginon]

Does anyone really think the pollution that is affecting the fish and So many other species isn't affecting the humans as well? For heavens sake people get real. We drink the same water, live in the same environment, consume the vegetables coated with God only knows what and then eat the meat from the animals & fish that are affected. These are the animals and fish that are affected so much by pollution that their very bodies, their *** characterisitic are changed. As the posion moves up the food chain it is concentrated - remember DDT and bird egg issue of years passed? Know anyone having fertility problems? How about anyone with a abnoraml child? Wow have we created a nightmare. Isn't anyone really angry besides me yet? And on another level: God created heaven, earth & everything on/in it & then human beings. We were given stewartship over Gods ceation; that does not include destroyng and poisioning.

[mdc76082]

Does this mean I have to now go out and buy a shemale bass lure? I mean really, what's going to turn them on now. By the way tmcoop "homophobia" lost it's original meaning/definition thanks to George Weinberg in the 60's! Enough, I'm done.

[asor1-2009]

Have we Bass tardized this pathetic story enough for one day?

[olebd]

HEY! Is this Lance Bass?

[asor1-2009]

Oh, bluestardad, those are such bass ackward comments! Keep us laughing during these not-so-fun times. Thanks.

[nativewoman]

Bushies won't blame anyone.

They will just declare that this is not happening and get rid of the science.

Besides, as their favorite argument runs, how can humans do anything that will impact the environment?

[j-whitman]

Bushies will blame Clinton

[tmcoop]

Homosexuality in fish is not the same issue as intersexed fish, same as in humans. The problem illustrated here is pollution. Homophobia is a social illness by the way.

[freckster]

So...they're a cross between a smallmouth and a sucker?