Like the final word after a pause in a sentence, the Midway Atoll lies insolated in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Once a naval compound and ship refueling site for American warships bound for the Far East, the continuation of the Hawaiian Islands hosts an important ecosystem for upholding populations of migratory birds. It is here that President Bush received rare praise upon declaring this island and others part of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument, safe for the 287,000 breeding pairs of albatross, roughly 65% of the global population, that nest and brood on the island.
But under the surface of this seemingly safe wildlife refuge lurks a darker threat for the albatross. The old naval facility (built for WWII) is all painted with a lead-based paint that is peeling off in the harsh Pacific sun and ending up in the environment, and often in albatross nests.

Albatross chicks remain in their nests for six months. While in these nests they will groom the nest and the close area. When chips of lead-based paint are among the nesting material, the chicks will consume the paint and consequently be poisoned. The results of lead poisoning in any young animal are dire. Nervous system ailments are common among the chicks. Among these is droopwing syndrome, a case wherein their wings droop and are unable to be lifted. Once these chicks are no longer under the care of their parents, they die. Levels of the toxin are often so high, that the chicks often die even before they leave the nest.

Interestingly, we've known about this problem for sometime. University of California, Santa Cruz, is known to have noticed lead poisoning since at least 2003. The US government knows that over 100 decaying buildings are scattered over the three islets, and certainly that they are painted with old, lead-based paint. The problem would not be too expensive to fix: a mere $5 million, according to deputy Fish and Wildlife chief Marshall Jones. But for now, the government is doing nothing to solve the problem or save the albatrosses.

Efforts are instead being made by island staff. Their methods entail arming four people a day with scrapers, specialized vacuums, and pressure washers to attack the walls of the aging buildings. With four people versus over 100 buildings, the project is estimated to take several years.

Meanwhile, our condolences out to the 10,000 chicks that die of lead poisoning or related ailments and deformities every year.