COMD 2050 Chapter : Ch 7
Document Summary
Pollution has contributed significantly to these changes - substances that are released into the environment that are either toxic, or are released in such magnitude (or both!) that they cannot be processed by affected ecosystem(s) Pollutants can be solid, liquid, or gaseous, and are found everywhere on the planet. They can be organic (crop residue, manure, resulting from biotic processes) or inorganic (fertilizers, chemicals, minerals/metals resulting from industrial processes) Pollutants have a number of modes of toxicity/injury in the environment, including being carcinogens, reproductive toxins, sensitizers, and irritants. Acute toxicity results in damage from a single exposure (short-term, high-level of exposure) Examples: hydrogen cyanide, nitrogen dioxide, organophosphate pesticides, arsenic and; Emitted from paper and pulp and asphalt plants, waste treatment plants, poorly ventilated areas: basements, manholes, manure pits, etc. Absorbed by lungs and effects both the oxygen utilization and central nervous system. Health effects: breathing problems, burning/tearing of eyes, coughing, headache, fatigue, nausea, loss of consciousness, death.
