Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins. And why we shouldn’t eat them. Mercury. Neurological effects “Mad Hatter” “Cabin Fever” Fluorescent and neon bulbs Switches Dentists Preservatives (thimerosol). Lead.
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins
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Presentation Transcript
Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins And why we shouldn’t eat them
Mercury • Neurological effects • “Mad Hatter” • “Cabin Fever” • Fluorescent and neon bulbs • Switches • Dentists • Preservatives (thimerosol)
Lead • Lowered IQ, shortened attention span, kidney destruction, miscarriage, weakness, mutated sperm, infertility, impotence, anemia • Fluorescent bulbs • Batteries • Paint • Bullets • Fishing sinkers - waterfowl
Batteries Wheel balancing weights Alloys & coatings Electronics PVC stabilizers Nickel Metal Hydride Tin, Steel Lead free or limited Lead free solder Polypropylene Lead in Cars
Cadmium • Batteries • Pigments & coatings • Stabilizer (PVC) • Lung cancer, kidney destruction, hypertension
Alkyl phenols (nonyl phenol) • Used in detergents • Pesticide carrier • Shampoo • Don’t break down quickly • Endocrine disruptors • P&G, Health Canada
Triclosan • Chlorinated phenoxy phenol • Dioxin • Found in human milk (weak endocrine effect) • Toxic to aquatic environments • Microban in plastic and clothing (Playskool) • Biofresh in acrylic • Common in soap (Dial, Softsoap)
PBDE (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) • Fire retardant • Computers • Rugs • Furniture cushions • Automobiles and airplanes • Endocrine disruption (brain development) • Sale Banned in Washington (RCW 70.76.020) • Except Deca-BDE • Recycled or previously owned
PVC • Produces dioxin when burned or manufactured • Cadmium and Lead are used in PVC (stabilizers) • Ubiquitous (most “vinyl”) • D-ring binders • ID cards • Automobiles • Better – polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene
Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate, etc.) • Plasticizer in PVC • Raingear • 3-ring binders • Vinyl flooring • Blood bags • IV tubing • Soaps • Liver & kidney damage, endocrine disruption, birth defects – weak associations • Alkyl Citrates are better
Metro-Effluent is a Complex Mixture of Compounds 10 8 6 g/L 4 2 0 Alkylphenols DEET Plasticizers Fragrances Triclosan Pharmaceuticals
Bisphenol A • Endocrine disruptor • Breast cancer, low sperm count, infertility • Neurotoxicity, obesity • Food cans • Beverage containers (polycarbonate) • Affects legume signalling