Toxins

Lead

where: lead paint, leaded pipes, dust, leaded gasoline

health impacts: effects brain development, effects kidney/ liver

other info: toxic through inhalation/ ingestion

Mercury

where: bioaccumulation/ magnification in seafood from ocean water, groundwater, burning coal, mine tailings

health impacts: nerve damage, rashes, kidney/ liver damage

other info: mercury export ban

Asbestos

where: older buildings, fire proofing, insulation, concrete

health impacts: carcinogenic, irritates lung tissue, mesothelioma

other info: banned in US, naturally occurring mineral

DDT

where: bioaccumulates/ magnifies in animals, soil (historical agricultural site), eggshell thinning for birds

health impacts: neurological issues, reproductive issues, increased risk of certain cancers (breast & testicular), liver damage

other info: insecticide used in agriculture, banned in US and many other countries

PCB

where: soil (historical industrial sites), bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, air

health issue: impacts reproductive/ nervous/ immune systems, developmental problems, neurological problems, higher risk of stillbirth

other info: production banned in US, persistent organic compound

Perc/ TCE

where: dry cleaning fluid, strip malls (would dump dry cleaning fluid out back), ground water

health issues: neurological problems, liver & kidney damage, respiratory issues, certain kinds of cancer

other info: banned in the US

Radon

where: basements, rocks/ soil

health issues: increased risk of lung cancer

other info: naturally occurring, no legal requirement to test for radon

PFAS

where: seltzer water, cleaning produces, water resistant fabrics, non stick cookware, plane de-icer

health issues: increased risk of certain cancers, liver damage, decreased birth weight, issues with reproductive and immune systems

other info: forever chemicals, growing movement towards restrictions/ bans