Overview

• Throughout the fall, unusual white blobs have been washing ashore on beaches in eastern Newfoundland, capturing public and international attention.
• Memorial University scientists, Hilary Corlett and Chris Kozak, determined the substance to be polyvinyl acetate, a plastic commonly used in industrial adhesives.
• The blobs are considered plastic pollution and are safe to handle, though not advisable to consume or use for personal purposes.
• Efforts are underway to clean up the beaches, and officials are encouraged to investigate the source and potential presence of more blobs in the ocean.
• Environment Canada is analyzing the substance but has not yet provided information on its origin or potential environmental impact.