The environmental effects of chemical hazards Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are one of the five top toxic chemical substances that present the greatest hazard to human and environmental health. The remaining four substances are arsenic, lead, mercury, and vinyl chloride. A toxic chemical is characterized by which of the following? Check all that apply. Can cause temporary harm to humans Can cause death to animals I can cause death to humans The following graphic illustrates the potential pathways by which PCBs and other toxic chemicals can impact and infiltrate the environment. A SW н SW WT GW R Mercury is a naturally occurring element in the earth's crust and is also commonly used in large-scale industrial applications such as mining and manufacturing. It is found in almost every part of the environment, including soil, groundwater, and fish. Although it is naturally occurring, mercury in certain forms can be very dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment. The most toxic mercury compound is methylmercury (CH3Hg), which is created through an organic process in the environment. A leading cause for concern is the fact that mercury compounds tend to linger in the environment, resulting in long-term bioaccumulation (a buildup of toxic chemical in living tissue). In other words, it takes longer to eliminate mercury compounds than it does to build up dangerous levels of mercury. Bioaccumulation is highest at the top of the food chain in fish, wildlife, and people. According to the pathway diagram, where is mercury likely to do the most damage to humans? O Fto H R to SW GW to V Which of the following is classified as a A carcinogen is a chemical, specific radiation type, or specialized virus that can cause carcinogen? diabetes Which of the following is classified as a carcinogen? heart disease O PCB cancer O Infrared radiation оо Ozone Until very recently, bisphenol A (BPA) was a common component of plastic-based products ranging from canned-food liners and storage containers to baby bottles. Initially, BPA was correlated with disruptions in hormone balances in humans. However, more scientific research has established links between BPA and nervous system disorders, breast cancer, diabetes, and obesity. BPA's effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and children present the greatest concern according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH). BPA ingestion is of some concern in the case of infants and children because drinking cups and other food containers are frequently made of plastic. Warming food or liquids in these containers may increase the risk of ingestion. This can be avoided by noting that some, but not all, plastics that are marked with recycle codes 3 or 7 could be made with BPA. According to the summary, which of the following actions will help reduce the risk of BPA intake? Check all that apply. Purchase plastic items with recycle codes 4 and 6, instead of items with recycle codes 3 and 7 I Microwave plastic items with codes 3 and 7 Reduce your use of canned foods