APES Environmental Toxins - Shope

ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS



• Mercury (Hg)
o manufacturing, mining, burning coal
o high levels in some fish (large predatory fish) due biomagnification
o neurotoxin… causes brain damage


• Lead (Pb)
o paints, manufacturing, some gasoline
o neurotoxin (especially harmful to children)


• DDT (DDD, DDE)
o insecticide
o systematic (general) poison – affects all systems in the body
o nervous system, liver, kidney
o now only used when approved… to combat very high risk of malaria


• PCB
o electrical manufacturing
o high levels in some fish
o nervous system, thyroid, hormone problems
o still used… just controlled


• Dioxin
o a family of 70+ chemicals
o pesticides, manufacturing, burning
o cancer, neurological problems
o “Agent Orange” - used in warfare to immediately kill forests
o kills rodents, insects, weeds


• VOC
o volatile organic compounds
o higher levels indoors
o carpets, paints, cosmetics, cleaning fluids
o cancer, respiratory problems, neurological
o some are naturally produced by plants
o plants communicate via chemicals


• asbestos
o insulation
o cancer, respiratory problems


• heavy metals
o drinking water, pesticides, antiperspirants
o cancer, neurological problems
o can be released from soil/rock by acids