All Flashcards
How do POPs move through the food chain?
POPs are ingested by organisms, bioaccumulate within them, and then biomagnify as predators consume prey, increasing concentration at each level.
What are the steps of POP deposition?
Emission into the air/water, long-range transport, settling in soil and water, accumulation in sediments.
What are the effects of DDT on birds of prey?
Eggshell thinning, leading to population declines.
What are the health effects of dioxin exposure?
Cancer, immune system suppression, and reproductive problems.
What are the health effects of PCB exposure?
Cancer, developmental issues, and neurological problems.
What are the consequences of POPs accumulating in fatty tissues?
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification, leading to higher concentrations in top predators.
What is the impact of POPs on human endocrine systems?
Hormonal imbalances, leading to developmental and reproductive problems.
What are the effects of Chlordane exposure?
Neurological effects, liver and kidney damage, and cancer.
What are the effects of HCB exposure?
Liver and kidney damage, and cancer.
What are the environmental consequences of POPs in the Hudson River?
Fish advisories and health concerns due to PCB contamination.
What are the human health consequences of Agent Orange exposure?
Health problems for veterans due to dioxin contamination.
What is the effect of POPs on neurological development?
POPs can cause neurological issues, especially in developing fetuses and young children.
What is the significance of long-range transport for POPs?
POPs can travel far from their source via air and water, impacting distant ecosystems.
Why are POPs fat-soluble?
They accumulate in fatty tissues of organisms, leading to bioaccumulation and biomagnification.
What is the main goal of the Stockholm Convention?
To protect human health and the environment from POPs by eliminating or restricting their production and use.
Why are POPs a concern for human health?
They can cause cancer, neurological issues, developmental problems, and disrupt endocrine systems.
What makes DDT a harmful POP?
It causes eggshell thinning in birds, leading to population declines.
What makes PCBs a harmful POP?
Industrial chemicals linked to cancer and developmental issues.
What makes Dioxins a harmful POP?
Toxic byproducts of industrial processes.
Explain the impact of POPs on endocrine systems.
POPs disrupt endocrine systems, leading to hormonal imbalances.
Why are POPs considered 'forever chemicals'?
They persist in the environment for a very long time without breaking down easily.
How do POPs affect wildlife?
POPs can cause reproductive problems, developmental issues, and increased susceptibility to diseases in wildlife.