HLTH 429 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Chloracne, Biomedical Waste, Superfund
Document Summary
Sources- coolants and lubricants and as insulators in transformers, fluorescent lighting, air conditioners. ----largest source is from eating fish in contaminated areas. History of use-dr. soren jenson discovered when studying tissues for ddt but found large amounts of. Pcbs are the most widespread chemical contaminant throughout the global environment: doesn"t stay in one area. In humans, pcbs accumulate in fatty tissues, kidney, liver, heart, lungs and brain. Chemically related to pcbs : unwanted byproduct from herbicide production. Municipal and medical waste incinerators are leading source of dioxin in us. Health problems- chloracne, muscle aches, nervous system disorders, digestive & psychiatric. Increased exposure has been linked to respiratory cancer and birth defects. No other hazardous substance has resulted in so many deaths and cases of disabling disease as has asbestos. During greek and roman times, asbestos was thought to have magical qualities due to fire resistance. 1970s --peak production, 5 million tons of asbestos produced each year worldwide.
