Env. 101- Human Health Risks part 2

Toxicology

• The study of chemical risks

• The science of poisons

• Investigates how chemical substances adversely impact organisms

Neurotoxins

• Chemicals that disrupts the nervous system of animals

  • Many insecticides

  • Lead

  • Mercury

Carcinogens

• Chemicals that cause cancer

• Damage the cell, which causes uncontrolled growth of cells by:

  • Interfering with a typical metabolic processes of the cell

  • damaging the genetic material- aka a mutagen

• Asbestos, radon, formaldehyde, chemicals in tobacco

Teratogens

• Interfere with the development of fetuses of embryos

• Thalidomide- prescribed to pregnant women in the 50s & 60s for morning sickness; causes birth defects

• Alcohol- excessive consumption while pregnant; fetal alcohol syndrome

Allergens

• Chemicals that cause an allergic reactions

• cause an abnormally high response from the immune systems

  • Peanuts, Milk, Penicillin

Endocrine disruptors

• interfere with the normal functioning of hormones in an animal body

• hormones bind to specific cells; cells respond; regulate the functioning of the body

• wastewater treatment plant source