How do toxic chemicals affect the environment

Some chemicals pose little risk to human health or environmental condition, while others, such as known carcinogens, 1 pose serious risks when sufficient exposure occurs. The effects of chemicals on human health and other ecological receptors through environmental exposure can be acute and very toxic, subtle and cumulative over time chronic , or nonexistent. Chemicals can be of concern because of their pervasiveness, potential to accumulate, possibilities of interaction, and often long-term unknown effects on people and the environment e.

Humans and wildlife may be affected by certain chemicals through direct exposure, including accidental ingestion or inhalation, accumulation and uptake through the food chain, or dermal contact. Similarly, ecosystems and environmental processes may be compromised or contaminated through the migration and accumulation of chemicals e.

For example, excessive nutrient loading from over-fertilization can result in runoff that causes adverse effects in aquatic ecosystems.

The risks associated with chemicals depend on many factors, including exposure and toxicity—which can be acute or chronic, and can occur at multiple stages of the chemical life cycle. Different stages in the life cycle of chemicals, such as manufacturing, transport, application or use, runoff, or accumulation, pose different hazards to humans and the environment. While chemicals in soil or on plants may be an initial pathway into the environment, it is the movement and concentration of chemicals through the food chain that are often of greatest concern, as well as exposures from other media such as contaminated water or air.

The indicators provide information on a relatively small universe of toxic chemicals and only limited information on the potential exposures humans may experience as a consequence of chemical use. For example, the Pesticide Residues in Food indicator provides information on one aspect of the potential for human exposure from pesticides dietary intake from the commercial food supply , but does not provide a complete picture of all the ways in which humans can be exposed to pesticides, which include contaminated drinking water, pesticide drift, and dermal contact.

But the truth is that the impacts of toxic chemicals are real and happening today and will only get worse in a warming world. Climate change can have a big impact on the world, but caring about toxic chemicals can reduce the negative consequences that climate change will have on chemicals, and consequently on us.

Starting in January of , they are no longer allowed in most spray foam insulation. Accessed Sept 16, Noyes et al. Noyes and Sean C. Ummenhofer and Gerald A. Zigler, C. Choirat, and F. Accessed October 18, McDonald et al. Five Reasons Why Climate Change and Toxic Chemicals are Connected Warmer temperatures increase our exposure to toxic chemicals —temperatures affect how chemicals behave. Climate change can exacerbate the health impacts of air pollution —volatile organic compounds released by chemical products contribute to the production of smog, leading to poor air quality which can negatively impact the lungs or exacerbate respiratory diseases such as asthma or Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease.

Ever heard of Cancer Alley? However, some chemicals have the potential to cause harm, in certain amounts, and should only be used when the potential risks are appropriately managed.

Chemicals can enter the air, water, and soil when they are produced, used or disposed. Their impact on the environment is determined by the amount of the chemical that is released, the type and concentration of the chemical, and where it is found.

Some chemicals can be harmful if released to the environment even when there is not an immediate, visible impact. The Government of Canada plays a key role in protecting the environment from harmful chemicals. The Canadian Environmental Protection Act, , is the primary piece of legislation used to protect the environment from harmful chemicals. At the federal level, the environment is also protected through other legislation such as the Fisheries Act , which can also be used to protect water and aquatic life.

In total, the Government of Canada is responsible for over 25 different Acts covering environment and environmental health issues. Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, , Government of Canada scientists assess chemicals to determine potential risks posed to human health and the environment, and the ways in which humans or the environment can be exposed to them.