Toxic Chemicals from WWII Munitions Threaten Baltic Sea Ecosystem

New research finds 300,000 tons of corroding munitions in the Baltic Sea releasing hazardous substances, posing long-term environmental and health risks.

• A study by the Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research has identified 300,000 tons of WWII-era munitions on the Baltic Sea floor, particularly in the Kieler and Lübecker Bucht.
• Corroding shells are releasing toxic chemicals like TNT, RDX, and DNB, with over 3,000 kilograms already dissolved into the water, nearing critical concentrations in some areas.
• The contamination process could persist for up to 800 years unless the munitions are actively removed from the seabed.
• Germany has initiated a €100 million pilot program to safely recover and dispose of the munitions, with plans for an autonomous recovery platform underway.
• Researchers warn that these toxic substances pose risks to marine life and human health, calling for urgent global action to address similar underwater munitions sites worldwide.

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