Sonne Exam Flashcards
What are the processes that play a central role in how contaminants affect wildlife and humans?
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification
These processes describe how pollutants accumulate in organisms and magnify up the food chain, particularly in sensitive ecosystems like the Arctic.
What are Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)?
They are harmful chemicals that persist in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms, posing significant health risks.
What is a growing concern related to environmental pollutants?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts.
How does climate change complicate the situation regarding pollutants?
It releases more pollutants into the environment and accelerates the spread of zoonotic diseases.
What framework helps understand the interconnectedness of ecosystems, wildlife, and human populations?
One Health framework.
Why is long-term monitoring crucial in ecotoxicology?
To track complex dynamics of pollutants and their impacts on health and ecosystems.
What analytical method is valuable for reconstructing the effects of pollutants across food webs?
Fatty acid analysis.
How is mercury detoxified in marine mammals and humans?
Through the formation of an inert complex with selenium.
What is the compound formed when selenium binds to mercury?
Tiaminate.
What role does vitamin C play in mitigating mercury toxicity in marine mammals?
It helps reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS).
What body system is highly susceptible to PFAS exposure?
The immune system.
Fill in the blank: PFAS reduces the proliferation of ______ and ______ cells.
T cells and B cells.
What are the consequences of PFAS exposure on antibody production?
Decreased antibody production.
What is the primary function of thyroid hormone?
To regulate metabolism, growth, and development.
Which pollutants are known to disrupt thyroid hormone concentrations?
- PCBs and PFAS
- PCB’s bind to thyroid receptors, because they mimic hormone structure (T3,T4)
- PFAS interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and alter the levels of concentration
PCBs and PFAS are known to disrupt thyroid hormone concentrations, leading to endocrine disruption
What are the two thyroid hormones mentioned that are essential for metabolic processes?
Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
True or False: Disruption of thyroid hormone levels can affect growth in children.
True.
What can result from thyroid hormone disruption in pregnant women and developing fetuses?
Developmental delays and cognitive impairments.
What is a significant effect of long-term PFAS exposure on health?
Increased risk of
- autoimmune diseases
- chronic infections
- possibly cancer
What is the relationship between selenium and mercury in terms of human health?
Selenium mitigates mercury’s neurotoxic effects.
What is the importance of the balance between mercury and selenium exposure?
It determines the severity of mercury’s effects on human health.
