8.7: POPS

What are POPS?

Synthetic compounds that do not easily breakdown in the environment, accumulate, and buildup in water and soil

What are POPS?

Synthetic compounds that do not easily breakdown in the environment; accumulate and buildup in water and soil

What are Fat-soluble compunds?

They accumulate and persist in animals’ fat tissue instead of passing through the body (don’t easily dissolve into blood/urine)

What are PCBs?

Additives in paint and plastics, released into aquatic ecosystems by industrial wastewataer

How can PCBs be harmful to animals?

Toxic to fish, causing spawning failure and endocrine disruption

How can PCBs be harmful for humans?

It can cause reproductive failure and cancer

Percholate

Given off by rockets, missiles, and fireworks.

Where is Perchlorate especially in high concentration?

Near military testing sties or rocket launch pods

How can Perchlorate enter the environment?

Leaches into groundwater or runoff into surface waters

How can POPs travel long distances?

Thru wind and water

Examples of POPS

DDT, PCBs, PBCEs, Dioxins, Phthlates, Perchlorates

What was DDT used as?

An insecticide, but has been phased out

What are examples of medications that can be POPS?

Steroids, reproductive hormones, and antibiotics

What are dioxins?

Byproduct of fertilizer production and burning of medical waste, FF, and biomass

Where does most human dioxin exposure come from?

Animal fats