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#7 Health_and_Disease_2

Health and Disease Types & Causes: Exposures and Toxins

Environmental Toxins

Definition of Environmental Toxins

  • Environmental toxins are defined as chemical pollutants in the environment that have adverse effects on biological organisms.

  • These pollutants can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin and mucous membranes, or ingested.

Exposure Routes to Environmental Toxins

  • People may be exposed to environmental toxins through various routes:

    • Inhalation: Breathing in contaminated air.

    • Dermal Contact: Direct contact through skin with contaminated surfaces or substances.

    • Ingestion: Consuming contaminated food or water.

Defining Exposure

  • An exposure scenario incorporates several key factors that help understand how pollutants affect the environment and health:

    • Concentration: Refers to how much of the substance the population encounters during each exposure.

    • Frequency: How often individuals or populations are exposed to the substance.

    • Duration: The length of time individuals are exposed.

Visualizing Exposure

  • Specific populations at risk of exposure include:

    • Consumers: Individuals using personal care products containing harmful chemicals.

    • Workers: Employees in manufacturing sectors or waste treatment facilities.

    • Communities: Residents near contaminated water sources.

  • Modes of contact:

    • Direct Contact: Skin contact or inhalation from products used daily.

    • Indirect Contact: Consuming drinking water, exposure to air pollution, and contamination from soil.

Transport Mechanisms of Toxins

  • Pollutants can travel through different mediums leading to exposure:

    • Air: Pollution can occur from volatilization from waste piles and spills.

    • Soil and Groundwater: Toxins can leach into soil and groundwater affecting water quality and leading to ingestion through drinking water.

Specific Example: 1,4-Dioxane

  • What is 1,4-Dioxane?: This chemical is commonly used in industrial processes and found as a byproduct in everyday products like shampoo and detergents.

  • Formation: It is not intentionally added; it results from ethoxylation, modifying ingredients.

  • Health Implications:

    • While it breaks down quickly in the body, exposure can cause both acute and chronic health effects.

    • The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies it as “likely to be carcinogenic to humans.”

    • Low-level chronic exposure may increase cancer risk.

  • Avoidance: Check labels for ingredients that imply the presence of 1,4-Dioxane such as PEG, polyethylene, and -eth-.

Wildfires: Understanding Toxins Produced

  • Wildfires generate smoke containing toxic compounds:

    • Natural Sources: Biomass smoke includes pollutants such as CO2, CO, and PM2.5.

    • Synthetic Sources: Burning of plastics and other synthetic materials releases toxins including heavy metals and various chemicals.

    • Health Impacts of Wildfires:

    • PM2.5 particles are particularly harmful as they penetrate deep into the respiratory system, potentially leading to various health problems including chronic respiratory diseases.

Health Classifications Related to Air Pollution

  • Exposure to PM2.5 particles is linked to several serious health outcomes:

    • Increased risk of asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases.

    • Cardiovascular issues and cognitive decline can result from prolonged exposure.

Case Study: Flint Water Crisis

  • The Flint River has served as a waste disposal site affecting the city’s water quality:

    • Contaminated Water Supply: The switch to Flint River water resulted in high lead levels, affecting community wellness, especially children who are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure.

    • Community Response: Residents continue to fight for improved water quality, highlighting broader environmental justice issues and disparities in health based on socioeconomic status.

Environmental Justice

Definition and Importance

  • Environmental Justice: Ensures fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals with respect to environmental laws, regardless of race, income, or background.

  • Goal: Achieve equal protection from environmental hazards and promote equitable access to healthy living conditions.

Socioeconomic Factors in Environmental Exposure

  • Key factors affecting environmental health include:

    • Income, education, occupation, housing stability, and healthcare access are all critical components.

    • Communities of color and low-income communities bear a disproportionate share of pollution and associated health impacts.

Conclusion

  • Overall, understanding the relationships between environmental toxins, exposure pathways, and socioeconomic factors is essential in addressing health disparities caused by environmental injustices.

  • Ongoing community engagement and advocacy are necessary to ensure safe and equitable environments for all individuals.