ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINANTS AND HUMAN HEALTH (PART 1) Flashcards
1
Q
- What are Environmental Contaminants?
A
- they are harmful chemicals
- they are present in soil, air and water
- they accumulate in our bodies over time
- this may harm our health
2
Q
- Which two kinds of sources do Environmental Contaminants come directly from?
A
- Human Sources
- Natural Sources
3
Q
- What are some examples of Human Sources?
A
- industrial manufacturing
- agricultural run-off
- wastewater discharge
4
Q
- What are some examples of Natural Sources?
A
- taste and odour causing chemicals
- these are generated by algae and by bacteria blooms
5
Q
- What are 7 Key Contaminants?
A
- Nitrosamines
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)
- Toxic metals and Elements
- Pesticides
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs)
- Fuels and fuel additives
6
Q
- What are Nitrosamines?
A
- they are a group that consists of a large number of compounds
- these are formed by various combinations of amines and nitrogen compounds
- each has a foundational structure:
- N - N = O
- there are hundreds of individual nitrosamine compounds
7
Q
- What effect do Nitrosamines have in animals?
A
- they are Carcinogens
8
Q
- Where are Volatile Organic Compounds found?
A
- in the air
9
Q
- In which industries are organic solvents widely used?
A
- manufacturing of rubber
- manufacturing of plastics
- manufacturing of cleaning agents
10
Q
- What are some examples of Volatile Organic Compounds?
A
- benzene
- toluene
- xylene
11
Q
- Where are Volatile Organic Compounds found within our homes?
A
- Adhesives
- Air Fresheners
- Drapes
- Floor polishes
- Glue
- Carpet Backing
- Dyes
- Liquid Cleaners
- Markers
- Paint
- Toilet Cleaners
12
Q
- What immediate effects do Volatile Organic Compounds have on human health?
A
- eye and respiratory tract irritation
- headaches
- dizziness
- visual disorders
- memory impairment
13
Q
- What are the longer term effects of being exposed to Volatile Organic Compounds?
A
- Neurodepressants
- Neurotoxic to foetuses
(intrauterine growth restriction)
(microcephaly) - carcinogenic
- eye, nose and throat irritation
- headaches
- loss of co-ordination
- nausea
- damage to liver
- damage to kidney
- damage to the Central Nervous System
- Cancer
14
Q
- What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
A
- they are chemicals
- they interfere with the endocrine system
- they do this by mimicking the natural hormones
15
Q
- What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals associated with?
A
- endocrine problems
- sperm count decline
- cryptorchidism
- breast cancer
- testicular cancer