It may also contain other toxic metals such as lead and cadmium, which are known to cause birth defects, learning disorders and other debilitating illnesses. Household toxics, such as common household cleaners, paint products and motor oil can pollute the ocean and poison the groundwater if not disposed of as hazardous waste. Overwatering combined with heavy use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers increase the likelihood that these chemicals will wash into storm drains. Pesticides and herbicides not only kill garden invaders, they also harm insects, poison fish and contaminate ground and ocean water. All paints and solvents contain chemicals that are harmful to sea life.
Toxic chemicals can come from liquid or solid products or from cleaning residues on rags.
It is especially important to prevent these chemicals from entering storm drains. Many common car maintenance routines can contaminate urban runoff and contribute to ocean pollution. Remember, there are millions of drivers in the Greater Los Angeles area. Just throwing away an car old battery, washing the car with detergent, or pouring used motor oil or antifreeze down a storm drain can significantly threaten the marine ecosystem when hundreds of thousands of car owners are involved.