Environmental Health Risks and Toxicology

CERLA Priority List

  • EPA to update hazardous substances list based on toxicity and exposure risk.

Dioxins

  • Discussed in Chapter 7.

Common Toxic Metals

  • Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Beryllium, Chromium.

Arsenic in Drinking Water

  • Standards set by EPA regarding arsenic in pipes.

DDT as a Pesticide

  • Historical use, including military applications in Vietnam.

Alzheimer's and Toxic Metals

  • Connection to aluminum discussed.

Anthrax Overview

  • Affects herbivores and at-risk populations (veterinarians, agricultural workers).
  • Types: Cutaneous, Inhalation, Gastrointestinal.
    • Cutaneous: Skin lesions, possible lymph node involvement.
    • Inhalation: Mimics respiratory infections, may lead to respiratory distress.
    • Gastrointestinal: Caused by undercooked contaminated meat.

Rabies in Humans

  • Cases of abortive rabies discussed.

Bioaccumulation of Pesticides

  • Examines relationship with health impacts.

Toxic Metals

  • Lead to multiple health effects: Arsenic, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, Mercury, Nickel.

National Priorities List (NPL)

  • Based on toxicity and risk to human health.

Importance of Iron

  • Essential for cell growth, oxygen transport; common in poisonings.

Historical Events with Toxic Metals

  • Industrial Revolution, Ancient times, Roman Empire.

Vector-borne Diseases

  • Includes Leishmaniasis linked to U.S. military.
  • Other diseases: Plague, Lyme disease.

Pesticides and Nerve Gases

  • Discussion of toxic properties of chromium (VI).

Health Effects of Pesticide Exposure

  • Various adverse health effects detailed.

Zoonotic Diseases

  • Influenza as a zoonotic disease, transmission patterns.

Key Terms Related to Pesticides

  • Organophosphate, carbonate discussed.

Malaria Resurgence

  • Linked to poor environmental conditions and vector transmission.