Chapter 28, Problem 1LO

Summary Introduction

To explain: The sources and name examples of hazardous materials in the environment. .

Introduction: The environment contains many agents that can damage the cells, tissues and organs. It may accumulate in the body and may cause health issues in long term.

Explanation of Solution

The sources of hazardous materials may be chemicals, physical, and biological agents. The hazardous chemicals may be consumed through contaminated food or water, inhaled into the lungs, or absorbed through the skin.

Chemical sources include many types of hazardous materials such as heavy metals, acid bases, inhalants (particulate or solvents), asbestos, and pesticides. The exposure may occur at home or work place. Some water processing plants may contain as much as 300 chemicals that may include polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), and dioxin. These chemicals may concentrate in the farmed animals, and further enter into food chains.

Physical agents include temperatures hazards (such as hyperthermia and hypothermia), radiation hazards (such as ionizing radiation and light energy), noise hazards, and food and waterborne hazards.

The biological agents include bites and stings that may cause disease and other physical complications. For example, toxins involved in bites may contain neurotoxins produced by poisonous snakes or spiders. They affect the nervous system that may cause paralysis and respiratory failure or seizures.