Killer whale’s remains had ‘toxic’ cancer chemical

A KILLER whale that washed up on a Scottish beach had near record levels of a ‘toxic’ chemical in its system, scientists say.

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) – which can cause cancer and infertility and impair immune function – was found during analysis of orca Lulu, found dead in January last year after getting caught in rope off Tiree, in the Inner Hebrides.

Analysis showed PCB concentrations 100 times higher than the accepted level for marine mammals, the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme said.

Its head Dr Andrew Brownlow, veterinary pathologist at Scotland’s Rural College, said: ‘The levels in this case are some of the highest we’ve seen.

‘Given what is known about the toxic effects of PCBs... such a high pollutant burden could have been affecting her health and reproductive fitness.’

Lulu’s pod of eight whales is usually seen off the west coast. A calf has not been recorded in 23 years of monitoring them.

PCBs – once used in coolants – are banned but high levels remain in the environment.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency said: ‘The UK is still managing the legacy issues associated with high concentrations [of PCB] from historic industrial areas.’

‘High pollutant burden’