Revisiting DDT Pollution in California Wildlife 50 Years After Its Ban

DDT, once hailed as a wonder insecticide, was banned in the U.S. over 50 years ago due to its cancer risk and ecosystem damage. Yet coastal Southern California remains a hotspot; wastewater from a former DDT plant near L.A. and an offshore barrel dump by Catalina Island continue to leach this persistent toxin into our oceans.

Dr. Eunha Hoh, Professor of Environmental Health, School of Public Health at SDSU, and her team analyzed blubber from seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals (nature’s “chemical sponges”) and found the highest DDT concentrations ever reported worldwide. They identified over 45 DDT-related compounds, including unexpected impurities from the original DDT formulation. Even California condors along the coast carry a heavier DDT load than their inland counterparts. Dr. Hoh will share how DDT and its chemical cousins accumulate in coastal wildlife, the potential health effects on these sentinel species, and why these findings raise fresh concerns for human exposure along our shores.

You may (but don't have to) RSVP on Meetup.

And here's the Zoom link for anyone who wants to attend online:
Meeting ID: 898 5808 8325
Passcode: 375172

If you are new to Zoom, please watch this handy video about how to join a meeting.

Stay after the assembly for coffee, snacks, and our 2nd annual cookie bakeoff event! Please RSVP separately for that event here. The bakeoff is free to anyone, but if you want to help choose which entry will win the coveted Best Bake award, a judging ticket is $5.

Sunday Assembly San Diego is an inclusive non-religious community that meets monthly to hear inspirational talks, connect for service projects, sing songs and generally celebrate life. Assemblies are free to attend, and everyone is welcome. AND!! Free child care for ages 1.5 and up is available at every Assembly.

We are located at the Bankers Hill Club, which features an accessible facility, including accessible parking spots and bathrooms.

We can't wait to see you all!