Environmental Science on Pesticides and Chemicals

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant outcome of Rachel Carson's book 'Silent Spring'?

Increased use of DDT in agriculture

Promotion of organophosphate pesticides

Public reaction leading to a ban on certain pesticides (correct)

Higher production of stress hormones in humans

What is the environmental degradation product of DDT that is known to be stable?

DDE (correct)

Malathion

Chlorpyrifos

Cortisol

What mechanism does chlorpyrifos use to affect insects?

Inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (correct)

Inhibiting dopamine production

Causing oxidative stress

Blocking androgen receptor signaling

Which pesticide was banned in the US in August 2018?

Chlorpyrifos Signup and view all the answers

What are the known effects of organochlorine pesticides such as DDE on the brain?

They are neurotoxic and cause oxidative stress Signup and view all the answers

What is a common use of Bisphenol A (BPA)?

As a monomer in epoxy resins Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a suspected effect of prenatal exposure to BPA?

Increased stamina Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical is BPA identified as?

A xenoestrogen Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the historical use of DES?

It caused several serious health issues. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the U.S. population had BPA detected in their bloodstream by 1995?

95% Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of endocrine disruptors?

They can interfere with the hormone system at certain doses. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following materials is NOT typically made using BPA?

Glass containers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main role of phthalates mentioned in the context of plastics?

They are used as plasticizers. Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended limit for 2,3,7,8-TCDD in fish and shellfish?

50 parts per trillion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following chemicals is known for its strong endocrine disrupting properties?

17β-Estradiol Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum diameter of inhalable particles classified as PM10?

10 micrometers Signup and view all the answers

Which group of chemicals is known to constitute 40% of the mass of toys to soften them?

Phthalates Signup and view all the answers

Which source is NOT a common contributor to particulate matter (PM)?

Vegetable gardens Signup and view all the answers

What effect do estrogenic compounds have on certain types of fish and frogs?

Cause feminization of males Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant health impact of outdoor air pollution estimated by the Global Burden of Disease Study in 2015?

4.2 million deaths Signup and view all the answers

What estimated increase in global mean life expectancy could occur if fossil fuel emissions completely stopped?

1.1 years Signup and view all the answers

Which endocrine disrupting chemical is known for having high activity at very low doses and is commonly used in plastic production?

Bisphenol-A (BPA) Signup and view all the answers

How do chlorinated parabens affect waste water treatment plants?

Not easily removed by WWTPs Signup and view all the answers

What major pollutant contributes to the acidity of acid rain?

SO2 Signup and view all the answers

Which gland is particularly affected by chemical pollutants and is vital for brain development?

Thyroid gland Signup and view all the answers

Which year did the Great Smoke incident, resulting in approximately 4,000 deaths, occur?

1952 Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic do phthalates exhibit after touching toys?

They make fingers oily but are quickly absorbed Signup and view all the answers

How much SO2 is estimated to be discharged globally per year?

150 million tonnes Signup and view all the answers

Which type of particulate matter poses the greatest health risk due to its smaller size?

PM2.5 Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased CO2 on ocean acidity?

It leads to the dissolution of calcium carbonate in aquatic species. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of ocean acidification on marine organisms?

Reduction in carbonate availability for shell formation. Signup and view all the answers

What has the Living Planet Index (LPI) reported since 1970?

A decline of 52% in representative populations. Signup and view all the answers

What are Benzalkonium Chlorides (BACs) primarily used for?

Disinfection of surfaces and equipment. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the pH of oceans between 1751 and 1996 due to CO2 increase?

It decreases from 8.25 to 8.14. Signup and view all the answers

Which organisms are particularly affected by ocean acidification?

Calcifying organisms such as corals and molluscs. Signup and view all the answers

Why is 'European brightening' mentioned in relation to SO2 emissions?

It resulted in improved air quality and reduced sunlight. Signup and view all the answers

What type of chemical are QACs considered?

Disinfectants used for hygiene. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the study mentioned in the abstract?

Risk assessment of contaminated food consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which types of pesticides were specifically mentioned as being contaminants in the study?

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides Signup and view all the answers

What can DNA methylation and histone modification influence?

How genes are expressed Signup and view all the answers

The research indicates which of the following as a significant problem?

Contamination of wheat and soil with pesticides Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT listed as a microcontaminant in municipal wastewater treatment facilities?

Fluoride Signup and view all the answers

What is one outcome of alterations in DNA methylation and histone modification?

Changes in gene expression patterns Signup and view all the answers

Which pesticide is cited among those detected at high concentrations in drinking water treatment facilities?

Heptachlor epoxide Signup and view all the answers

How do DNA methylation and histone modification primarily affect organisms?

By modifying gene expression regulation Signup and view all the answers

Why is monitoring pesticide contamination in soil and wheat significant?

To assess food safety for consumption Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common misconception about gene expression modification?

It can change the actual DNA sequence Signup and view all the answers

Which method could be used to assess the risk of pesticide pollution in crops?

Conducting residue analysis of crops Signup and view all the answers

What could be a direct impact of pesticide contamination in wheat?

Potential health risks to consumers Signup and view all the answers

Which substance was found to be a common microcontaminant in water treatment facilities?

DDT Signup and view all the answers

What ecological aspect does the study address regarding location-specific risks?

Local patterns of pesticide use and their effects Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Environmental Chemical Pollution

Anthropogenic substance production exceeds 500 million tons annually, compared to 5 million tons 50 years ago.
Over 100,000 synthetic chemicals are used in everyday products, including solvents, detergents, dyes, hormones, antibiotics, surfactants, pesticides, and mineral oil products.
Global annual petroleum production is approximately 3 billion tonnes.
Over 300 man-made chemicals are found in the blood stream of all tested people globally.

Impact on Nature and Human Body

Air Pollution and Climate: Ozone Depletion, Photochemical Smog, Acid Rain, Greenhouse Gases, Global Warming, and Dimming are key concerns.
Liquid and Solid Pollutants (Land and Water Pollution): Polymers and Plastic Pollution, Toxic Metals, and Organic Anthropogenic Chemicals contribute to pollution.
Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs): These chemicals can cause cancerous tumors, birth defects, developmental disorders, and various health problems.

Key Terms for Understanding Pollution

Persistent pollutant: Resistant to environmental degradation (chemical, biological, or photolytic processes).
Bioaccumulation: Organisms absorb toxic substances faster than they're lost.
Biomagnification: Persistent pollutant concentration increases as it moves up a trophic level.
Global distillation: Transport of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) from warmer to colder regions.

Natural Elemental Cycles / Anthropogenic Contributions

Biogeochemical cycles describe the movement of atoms between biotic and abiotic components, including the carbon, phosphorous, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles.
Human activities significantly alter natural elemental cycles, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus cycles, through fertilizer use.

Phosphorus Cycle

Large-scale anthropogenic contributions arise from phosphate fertilizers.

Nitrogen Cycle

Human activities convert more atmospheric nitrogen into reactive forms than all Earth's terrestrial processes combined.
Much of this reactive nitrogen is emitted to the atmosphere or pollutes waterways/coastal zones.
Fertilizer use promotes harmful insects and causes nitrate accumulation in plants leading to nitrosamine formation when eaten in meat.

Global Nitrogen Fertilizer Use (2015-2020)

Global nitrogen fertilizer use reached roughly 100 million tonnes/year in 2010.
'Planetary Boundaries' studies reveal that human activity has disrupted nitrogen and phosphorus elemental cycles to a dangerous level.

Polymers and Plastic Pollutants

Plastics are largely man-made, non-degradable, high molecular weight, chain-like macromolecules.
The breakdown process often requires diverse organisms and is slow.
Plastics persist, accumulating in various environments.
Global annual plastic consumption has dramatically increased from 5 million tonnes in 1950 to over 300 million tonnes presently.

Plastic Additives

Plastics contain various additives (smaller molecules), such as plasticizers, antioxidants, dyes, and fillers.
Many additives haven't undergone toxicology assessments.
Decomposition releases harmful additives and byproducts into the environment
Common examples include unreacted monomers (styrene, acrylics, BPA) and plasticizers (various types of phthalates).

Bisphenol-A (BPA)

BPA is used in plastics for over 60 years.
Used as a monomer in epoxy resins and in polycarbonate production
Demonstrated as an endocrine disruptor at low doses and associated with prostate cancer in humans.
High levels of BPA exposure are suspected to cause prolonged effects, like obesity, brain development issues, hyperactivity, thyroid problems, and alterations in breast and prostate cancer risks, as well as reduced female fertility.

Dioxins (PCDDs, PCDFs)

Products of incomplete combustion, like fires.
Found in the environment and can bioaccumulate.
Highly toxic and potent endocrine disruptors, causing various health problems (cancer, reproductive/developmental issues, immune disorders, thyroid, diabetes).
Ingested via food, from contaminated soil, and inhalation of contaminated air.

Phthalates

Widely used as additives in cosmetics, children's toys, cleaning agents, and construction materials.
Found at 40% of toys to soften it.

Large Variety of Medical Chemicals

Female hormones, like the oestrogen derivative 17β-estradiol, can cause gender-bending and multiple deformations in fish and frogs.
Some concentrations can cause multiple health deformations and have environmental impacts.

Parabens

Found in approximately half of all personal care products.
Chlorinated parabens are not readily decomposed and have endocrine disrupting potential, which increases with the length of the ester chain.
They have negative influences on aquatic life.

Polyfluorinated Organic Substances (PFOS)

Extremely persistent and bioaccumulated anthropogenic chemicals.
Absorbed by organisms and are endocrine disruptors, particularly targeting the thyroid.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

Chemicals that interfere with the endocrine (hormone) system in mammals, leading to a range of adverse health effects.

Toxic Metal Pollution (Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Se)

Heavy metals are usually persistent, accumulating and biomagnifying in food chains.
Some contribute significantly to EDC properties.
Metals like arsenic, lead, cadmium, and mercury are listed among WHO's top 10 concern chemicals.

Lead (Pb)

Bioaccumulates, causing intellectual disabilities in children, and various long-term health issues.
Also commonly found in leaded paints, plastic additives, and lead acid batteries.
Exposure can severely affect the developing brain, leading to long-term problems that last a lifetime.

Mercury (Hg)

Released naturally from volcanoes and anthropogenically by industries (coal burning, gold extraction, etc).
Biomethylation, a process driven by microbes, converts inorganic mercury to organic forms in the environment (especially methylmercury), and these forms bioaccumulate in organisms.
Methylmercury is highly toxic, persistent, and exhibits endocrine disruptive properties.
It interferes with genetic transmission and protein synthesis and bio-accumulates in living organisms, leading to a variety of adverse health problems.

Air Pollution

Ozone Depletion: A natural layer of ozone in the stratosphere is thinning, attributed to the release of ODSs, mostly by industrial countries in the northern hemisphere.
Photochemical Smog: A complex mixture of pollutants created by the interaction of sunlight, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds from combustion processes.
Acid Rain: Rain with elevated acidity due to atmospheric pollutants like sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

Particulate Matter (PM)

Microscopic air particles (natural and/or anthropogenic) adversely affect climate, hydrology, and human health.
Smaller particles (PM2.5) pose a greater health risk due to their ability to penetrate deep into the respiratory system and bloodstream.

The Cocktail Effect

Simultaneous exposure to multiple foreign chemicals in the body can result in more severe negative health effects than exposure to the individual chemicals alone.

Epigenetics

Environmental factors alter gene function by activating or deactivating genes without changing the underlying DNA sequence.
These changes are often heritable (transmitted to subsequent generations) if environmental conditions persist.
DNA methylation and histone modifications are key epigenetic mechanisms by which environmental chemicals exert their effects.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the impact of pesticides and chemicals on the environment and human health. This quiz covers significant outcomes from works like 'Silent Spring', the use of substances like BPA, and the effects of various pollutants. Challenge yourself with questions about past bans and the implications of chemical exposure.