The Natural Resources Defense Council's "Testing the Waters" study called coastal contamination a serious problem in California, in part because the source of a vast majority of the pollution is unknown. Of the known sources, the No. 1 culprit is storm-water runoff, which fills waterways with pesticides, heavy metals and pathogens. Sewage spills are the other primary source.
Swimmers and surfers exposed to such toxic materials are at risk for stomach, skin, lung and neurological disorders. The health of marine mammals, fish, mollusks and birds also suffers.
Source: Read the Full SFGate Story
