Chris of Harpswell, ME Perfluorinated chemicals (PFC's) were studied in the bird eggs. These chemicals were allowed in Teflon, a coating for cook-ware, and are still used for coatings on many consumer products. They were even used in coatings for paper products used for serving food, such as in the fast-food industry. However the report says scientific studies link PFC's with difficulty in reproduction and they are highly resistant to environmental degradation.

The study also says a class of flame retardant chemical (PBDEs) that was showing up in birds eggs studied takes years to degrade in the environment. At higher levels then so far seen in the environment these chemicals can have severe health effects.

Also certain types of long-lasting pesticides showed in the birds eggs. Even though most of those pesticides are banned or highly restricted in the US, they can still show up in trace amounts on certain agricultural products imported into the US - particularly from Mexico. Part of the problem is US trade agreements, like NAFTA, which actually prohibit the US from banning unsafe imports.

Also the Press Herald has been promoting the burning of coal for residential heating with several articles which included glowing comments from local coal dealers. These articles have notably omitted any comments from environmental experts on the dangers for the environment of burning coal, such as the mercury and other toxic heavy metals released when coal is burned without proper controls.report abuse