Some afflictions include skin diseases, pneumonia and numerous parasites. Residue concentration of organochlorides, such as PCB's, DDT and DDE are found in seal blubber at low levels. Seal liver may contain high levels of mercury. Predators of ringed seals include polar bears, arctic foxes, walrus, wolves, dogs, wolverine, sharks, gulls and humans. About 26 per cent of the pups in their dens are eaten by arctic foxes.
Ringed seals are the main prey of polar bears that catch about one seal every six and a half days.
The cultural development of coastal Inuit was supported by the ringed seal. They were a reliable supply of heating oil, meat and skins. Various hunting techniques include the stalking of basking seals, harpooning or shooting at breathing holes, and open water shooting. Sealing continues to be important for its nutritional and cultural values to northerners.