ABSTRACT
Marine mammals are known to accumulate relatively high concentrations of persistent organochlorine contaminants (POCs). These stores of contaminants have the potential to act as a continuing source of elevated exposure to these organisms. Although a considerable amount is known about the concentrations of POCs in marine mammals and about the processes that lead to their accumulation, little is known about the potential these contaminants have to cause adverse effects in exposed animals. Although several anecdotal studies have measured relatively high POC concentrations in marine mammals associated with mass mortality events, in all cases, it has been difficult to demonstrate a cause-effect relationship.
