Ch 9 Environmental Pollution

Question 1

carbon monoxide (CO)

Answer 1

systemic asphyxiant that is an important cause of accidental and suicidal death
nonirritating, odorless, colorless gas
200x greater affinity for Hb than O2

Question 2

morphology CO

Answer 2

chronic - widespread ischemic changes in CNS, recoverable, might have damage
acute - comma or death in 5 min., characteristic generalized cherry red color of the skin and mucous membrane

Question 3

lead (Pb)

Answer 3

readily absorbed metal that binds to sulfhydryl groups in a protein and interferes w/ Ca metabolism
leads to hematologic, skeletal, neurologic, GI, and renal toxicities

Question 4

clinical presentation Pb

Answer 4

deficits in intellectual capacity, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, poor organizational skills
lead lines - absorbed into bone and developing teeth and interferes w/ normal remodeling
inhibits bone healing and heme synthesis
leads to CNS problems - peripheral neuropathies

Question 5

morphology Pb

Answer 5

bone and marrow - ring sideroblasts (Fe laden mito), MICROCYTIC HYPOCHROMIC ANEMIA, basophilic stippling of RC
brain - adults have peripheral demyelinating neuropathy
GI - lead colic (extremely sever, poorly localized abdominal pain)
Kidney - proximal tubular damage associated w/ intranuclear inclusions

Question 6

mercury (Hg)

Answer 6

binds to sulfhydryl groups in proteins w/ high affinity leading to damage in CNS
main sources - fish and mercury vapors from metallic mercury in dental amalgams
minamata disease - cerebral palsy, deafness, blindness, mental retardation, major CNS defects in children exposed in utero

Question 7

arsenic (As)

Answer 7

interfere w/ several aspects of cellular metabolism leading to toxicities that are most prominent in the GI, NS, skin, and heart
Acute GI, cardiovascular, and CNS toxicities which are fatal due to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
Neurologic effects 2-8 weeks after exposure
Changes - hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis

Question 8

increased risk of cancer w/ As exposure

Answer 8

lung, bladder, skin

Question 9

cadmium (Cd)

Answer 9

preferentially toxic to kidneys and lungs through uncertain mechanisms that may involve increased production of ROS
obstructive lung disease, renal tubular damage, skeletal abnormalities

Question 10

increased risk of cancer w/ Cd exposure

Answer 10

lung cancer