Toxic Chemicals in the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau

"Organic Pollutants Now Accumulating in Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau"

by Jane Qui

Nature Magazine (found through scientificamerican.com)

Bioaccumulation of DDT through the food chain

Recent research has shown that in the ecosystems of the Himalayan mountain range and Tibetan Plateau

there is a high quantity of toxic chemicals. These chemicals are referred to as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and they are carbon based molecules, with a notable resistance to break-down. These chemicals have been used for herbicides, pesticides, and manufacturing. Agent Orange and DDT are both POPs which act as carcinogens. In this report, DDT was found in the East Rongbuk Glacier, but was later found in ice cores throughout the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau. Scientists hypothesize that this chemical originated in Europe, Africa, and Southern Asia and were blown into the area. POPs have also been found in soil, grass, fish, and trees in this area, which especially high levels at higher altitudes. Humans living in this area or eating food from it are directly exposed to these chemicals through the meat and fish. David Molden, of the Integrated Center for Integrated Mountain Development in Kathmandu warns that these findings, "are another warning of the way we use chemicals."

I think these findings are extremely important because they show the extend to which harmful chemicals leave marks on global ecosystems, even in areas where the products were not heavily used. It also brings up the important issues regarding the uses of POPs. It is vital that we continue the minimization of carcinogens used in agriculture and manufacturing, since they can have disastrous effects on human health, as well as ecosystems. The introduction of chemicals into communities can greatly upset the established ecosystem, as general health plummets and resources are contaminated. It is vital that we start reevaluating our usage of chemicals, as we start to see how they can spread and contaminate ecosystems. This discovery of DDT acts as a reminder of the importance of using environmentally- friendly produces and agricultural techniques. In conclusion  the recent discovery of high levels of toxic chemicals in the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateau fully demonstrate the importance of stopping environmental contamination, as well as the importance of reassessing our uses of chemicals.