Razel Marie D.

Cabugsa

Chem 71 ACB

May 18, 2011

Effects to Human Health Water Pollutants a. Pesticides

Humans are affected by pesticides in three ways: skin contact, inhalation and ingestion. (1) Pesticides have killed a thousand of people already. It is used for suicide but pesticides in water and incomplete gear when spraying are the main causes the death of humans due to pesticides. (2)

Effect to Environment

References

When pesticides get into the water, the aquatic environment is slowly being destroyed. Some of the harmful effects include: cancers, tumors and lesions of organisms, failure to reproduce, DNA damage and suppression of immune system. (3)

b. Mercury

c. Arsenic

When a pregnant woman accidentally in takes fish and shellfish contaminated with methylmercury, the growth of the baby s brain and nervous system is detrimentally affected. When elemental mercury is being inhaled, it may cause kidney and respiratory failure. (4) Humans are exposed to relatively small amounts of arsenic. It may also come into contact in soil and water. The level of arsenic in fish is relatively higher than others. Exposure to too much arsenic can cause irritation of the stomach and intestines, decreased production of red and white blood cells, skin changes and lung irritation. Intake can even intensify the development of skin, lung, liver and lymph node cancer. (5)

Fish-eating birds and mammals carry higher risk of carrying methylmercury than any animal. Methylmercury can cause death, reduced fertility and growth and development of abnormal behavior. Based on researches, the endocrine system of the fish was altered due to its exposure to mercury. (4) Arsenic is being produced in copper, lead and producing industries The concentrations of the dangerous inorganic arsenics that are currently present in surface waters enhance the chances of alteration of genetic materials of fish. This is mainly caused by accumulation of arsenic in the bodies of plant-eating freshwater organisms. Birds eat the fish that already contain eminent amounts of arsenic and will die as a result of arsenic poisoning as the fish is decomposed in their bodies. (5)

(1) http://www.fao.or g/docrep/W2598E/ w2598e07.htm#hu man health effects of pesticides (May 13, 2011) (2) http://www.polluti onissues.com/NaPh/Pesticides.html (May 13, 2011) (3) http://www.fao.or g/docrep/W2598E/ w2598e07.htm#hu man health effects of pesticides (May 13, 2011) (4) http://www.epa.go v/mercury/effects. htm (May 13, 2011) (5) http://www.lennte ch.com/periodic/el ements/as.htm (May 13, 2011) (6) Textbook (7) http://www.lennte ch.com/periodic/el ements/n.htm (May 13, 2011) (8) http://www.epa.go v/iaq/voc.html#He alth Effects (May 13, 2011) (9) http://www.bellevi lle.k12.wi.us/bhs/h ealth /environment/nitr ogen_oxide.htm (May 13, 2011) (10) http://kidshealth.o rg/parent/medical/ brain/lead_poisoni ng.html (May 13, 2011)

d. Nitrates

e. Volatile Organic Chemicals

Nitrates that are found in groundwater are from fertilizers used on farms and lawns. (6) Nitrates react with hemoglobin that causes it to slow down in carrying oxygen. It also decreases the function of the thyroid gland. There is also a shortage in Vitamin A. (7) VOCs are used as solvents, paints, cleaners and fuels. When VOCs are spilled, it is absorbed by the soil and proceeds to the groundwater. High exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination and damages the liver and the nervous system. (8) Little exposure can cause nausea, irritation of eyes and nose and shortness of breath. High level of exposure can lead to throat swelling, reduced intake of oxygen or death. It affects mostly on the respiratory system. (9)

The presence of nitrates in the environment alters the composition of the species since they are very vulnerable to nitrates. It can also cause health failure to animals. High intake of nitrates destroys the intestines and stomach of the animal. (7)

(11) http://www.hcsc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyhvsv/environ/leadplomb-eng.php#he (May 13, 2011)

VOCs can also cause cancer to animals when it is exposed to them. Like any other chemicals that are being exposed to animals and plants, exposure to VOCs can affect the structure and characteristics of the organisms. (8)

(12) http://www.epa.go v/air/lead/health.h tml (May 13, 2011)

Air Pollutants a. Nitrogen Oxides

It can cause smog formation and fabric discoloration and contributes to the formation of acid rain. (6) It also contributes to the global warming and hinders the growth of plants (9).

b. Lead

c. Asbestos

Once lead enters into the bloodstream, it is being distributed like any other helpful minerals. But then it damages the red blood cells, limiting its ability to carry oxygen which then causes anemia. Most of lead ends up in the bone, absorbing the calcium.(10) Children and infants are more exposed to lead which can affect their IQ level. (11) The effects of asbestos to the human health depend on the length of exposure. The more one is exposed, the greater the

Lead is being accumulated in soil and sediments through deposition from air, direct discharge to water, mining and erosion. Lead caused the reproductive rates of plants and animals and affects the neurological aspects in vertebrates. (12)

(13) http://www.atsdr.c dc.gov/asbestos/as bestos/health_effe cts/ (May 13, 2011) (14) http://www.bright hub.com/environm ent/scienceenvironmental/arti cles/86213.aspx (May 13, 2011) (15) http://www.enviro nment.gov.au/atm osphere/airquality/ publications/sok/a sbestos.html (May 13, 2011)

Asbestos is very stable in the environment. It does not react with heat and chemicals. Since asbestos are very small fibers,

(16) http://www.epa.go v/air/ozonepollutio n/health.html (May 13, 2011)

chances of acquiring the severe diseases. Such illnesses include asbestosis (irritation and scarring of lung tissues), lung cancer and mesothelioma (cancer of the chest lining). (13)

d. Ground-Level Ozone

e. Chlorofluoroc arbons

This level is where motor vehicle exhaust and chemical solvents meet. It is due to sunlight and hot weather that causes harmful concentrations. People with lung disease, children, older children and active people are the ones who are easily affected when ozone levels are unhealthy. Unhealthy ozone can also cause: pain when taking a deep breath, inflammation on skin, pneumonia, bronchitis or permanent lung damage. (16) Since CFCs contribute to the destruction of the ozone layer, harmful UV rays affect humans. Skin cancer, melanoma, premature skin aging, basal/squamous cell carcinomas are just some of the diseases that can be acquired due to the exposure of harmful UV rays. (18)

improper disposal of such could affect human health. Asbestos are easily redistributed in air thus there is a greater possibility that people will be exposed. (14) If such material reaches the aquatic system, the degradation would occur in acidic conditions. (15) Unhealthy ozone can destroy the plants and ecosystem. It can interfere with the ability of the plants to produce and store food, damages the leaves and reduces forest growth rates and crop yields. (16) Tomatoes and tobacco are the crops that are easily affected. (6)

(17) http://www.polluti onissues.com/BrCo/CFCsChlorofluorocarbo ns.html (May 13, 2011)

CFCs possess ozone-depleting properties and are also potent greenhouse gases. (17) CFCs are used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants and solvents. The release of the CFC into the atmosphere proceeds to the stratosphere where it slowly destroys the ozone layer. (19)

(18) http://zwhudson. myweb.uga.edu/ch em8290/health%2 0effects%20of%20 CFCs.htm (May 13, 2011) (19) http://science.jran k.org/pages/1445/ Chlorofluorocarbo ns-CFCs.html (May 13 2011)