Emily Chan
It hasn’t been proven yet, but exposure to cocaine could have detrimental effects on the health of sharks, potentially harming their DNA, causing behavioral changes, or reducing their ability to metabolize fats.
In the past, research has shown that the drug has negatively impacted other animals, such as fish and mussels.
Additionally, it has been known to cause “hyperactive and erratic behavior” in other animals. Overall, this could affect the sharks’ survival tremendously, not to mention the effect the substance has on human health.
“The findings are indicative of potential human health risks, as sharks are highly consumed in the state of Rio de Janeiro, in fact, throughout the entire Brazilian territory and, indeed, worldwide,” wrote the scientists.
The paper was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment.
