Environmental Toxins to Know for AP Environmental Science

Environmental toxins pose serious risks to human health and ecosystems. From heavy metals to pesticides, these harmful substances can accumulate in our bodies and the environment, leading to long-term health issues and ecological damage. Understanding their impact is crucial for protection and prevention.

1. Heavy metals (e.g., lead, mercury, cadmium)

   • Toxic to humans and wildlife, affecting neurological and developmental functions.
   • Bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in predators.
   • Common sources include industrial discharges, mining, and contaminated water.

2. Pesticides (e.g., DDT, organophosphates)

   • Designed to kill pests but can also harm non-target species, including humans.
   • Some, like DDT, are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in fatty tissues.
   • Linked to various health issues, including cancer and reproductive problems.

3. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

   • Industrial chemicals used in electrical equipment and other applications, now banned in many countries.
   • Highly persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms.
   • Associated with adverse health effects, including immune system suppression and cancer.

4. Dioxins

   • Byproducts of industrial processes, including waste incineration and chemical manufacturing.
   • Highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems.
   • Accumulate in the food chain, particularly in fatty tissues of animals.

5. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

   • Formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, or other organic substances.
   • Known to be carcinogenic and can affect the immune and reproductive systems.
   • Commonly found in air pollution, soil, and water near industrial sites.

6. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

   • Organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, found in many household products.
   • Contribute to indoor air pollution and can cause respiratory issues and headaches.
   • Some VOCs are linked to long-term health effects, including cancer.

7. Asbestos

   • Naturally occurring mineral fiber used in construction and insulation materials.
   • Known to cause serious respiratory diseases, including asbestosis and lung cancer.
   • Banned or heavily regulated in many countries due to its health risks.

8. Radon

   • Colorless, odorless gas produced from the decay of uranium in soil and rock.
   • Can accumulate in homes, particularly in basements, posing a risk of lung cancer.
   • Testing and mitigation are essential for homes in high-radon areas.

9. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

   • Organic compounds that resist environmental degradation and persist in the ecosystem.
   • Can travel long distances and bioaccumulate in the food chain.
   • Associated with various health effects, including endocrine disruption and cancer.

10. Endocrine disruptors

    • Chemicals that interfere with hormonal systems, affecting development and reproduction.
    • Found in various products, including plastics, pesticides, and personal care items.
    • Linked to health issues such as infertility, obesity, and developmental disorders.

11. Microplastics

    • Small plastic particles less than 5mm in size, resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics.
    • Found in oceans, freshwater, and soil, posing risks to aquatic life and food chains.
    • Potentially harmful to human health through ingestion and inhalation.

12. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

    • A group of man-made chemicals used in various industrial applications and consumer products.
    • Known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body.
    • Linked to adverse health effects, including liver damage, immune system effects, and cancer.

13. Nitrogen oxides (NOx)

    • Gases produced from burning fossil fuels, contributing to air pollution and smog formation.
    • Can cause respiratory problems and exacerbate asthma and other lung diseases.
    • Play a role in the formation of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant.

14. Sulfur dioxide (SO2)

    • Gas produced from burning fossil fuels and industrial processes, contributing to acid rain.
    • Can cause respiratory issues and aggravate existing heart and lung diseases.
    • Regulated under the Clean Air Act due to its harmful environmental and health effects.

15. Particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)

    • Tiny particles suspended in the air that can penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.
    • Associated with various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and respiratory issues.
    • Sources include vehicle emissions, industrial processes, and natural events like wildfires.