Chemical pollution: Surfing in toxic waters

What exactly do we know about the risks to us humans from chemical pollution in the ocean? Surprisingly, not a whole lot. Surfrider Foundation Europe, a non-profit advocating for the protection of our seas, is on the hunt for answers. 

"Every day we go into the water, so every day we swallow mouthfuls and mouthfuls of seawater," says Marc Valmassoni, a campaigner for the non-profit based in Biarritz, a world-renowned surfing destination on the French Basque Coast.

"We have solid data on all things bacteriological pollution, but nothing on how chemical pollutants like hydrocarbons, cosmetics or drugs could impact our health in the short, medium or long term."

Enter the "Curl" project. Surfers have become guinea pigs in wetsuits, riding the waves in the name of science. 

In partnership with the French National Institute for Ocean Science (IFREMER) and a sportswear brand, the NGO designed a special sleeve with several sensors attached, which can be worn around the ankle. The device can take water samples while surfers are in the water.

The samples are then sent to a team of scientists, tasked with identifying the chemicals and measuring toxicity levels.

The project is in the early stages, and scientists are only beginning to comprehend the full extent of the damage caused by chemical pollutants.

From pesticides to drugs and metals, the list of substances that poison our ocean is well documented. Farida Akcha, an eco-toxicologist in charge of analysing the samples, says the challenge is determining if that cocktail of toxic chemicals can interfere with our health.

"Nowadays, we hear a lot about hormone disruptors, possible effects on our immune system, and chemicals which could even cause cancer."

But the scientist remains