Chemicals threaten S.F. Bay wildlife

Flame retardants, pesticides and other chemicals have been found in the San Francisco Bay at levels approaching hazardous, a new report finds.

If they remain unchecked, these chemicals from Bay Area businesses and homes could cause the bay’s aquatic life to suffer, according to SFGate.com. A number of the chemicals referred to in the annual report of the San Francisco Estuary Institute’s Regional Monitoring Program “are showing up not too far from levels of concern, and that’s the bad news,” said Tom Mumley, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board assistant executive officer.

Monitors are particularly concerned about the disastrous consequences for bay wildlife of a buildup of the insecticide fipronil.