World War II bombs poison the Baltic Sea
Unexploded bombs dumped in the Baltic Sea after World War II are leaking toxins, posing a growing threat to the environment. Scientists warn of a race against time to address the contamination before it worsens.
After World War II, victorious powers dumped large quantities of ammunition and chemical weapons into the Baltic Sea. Experts estimate up to 40,000 tons of material, including bombs filled with toxic substances like arsenic and mustard gas. These wrecks have lain on the seabed for decades, and corrosion is now causing them to leak dangerous substances.
A recent report from Swedish and German authorities highlights the danger. 'It's a ticking bomb beneath the surface,' says marine biologist Anna Svensson at Stockholm University. The leaks affect fish stocks and marine ecosystems, and could reach coastlines via currents. In areas around Bornholm, elevated levels of heavy metals have been observed in sediments.
Sweden, Germany, and Denmark are collaborating on an international effort to map and potentially remediate the sites. The dumpings occurred mainly between 1945 and 1952, when Allied forces wanted to dispose of surplus ammunition quickly. Despite conventions against dumping in the sea, the rules were ignored at the time. Today, thousands of tons of chemicals are estimated to remain, posing risks of long-term damage to the Baltic Sea's sensitive environment.
The challenges are significant: the deep sea makes it difficult and expensive to access the wrecks, and handling chemical substances requires specialized equipment. Experts emphasize that immediate action is needed to prevent an ecological disaster. 'We can't wait any longer; the poisoning is already spreading,' warns Svensson. The project is partially funded by the EU, but experts call for more resources from affected countries.