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Tag: health risks

  • Pesticide Residues

    Pesticide Residues Pesticide residues are small amounts of chemicals used in agriculture to control pests, which can remain on crops, in the soil, or evaporate into the air. These residues can potentially impact human health, causing a range of health issues such as respiratory problems, hormone disruption, and, in some cases, cancer, especially with prolonged…

  • Metal Residues 

    Metal Residues  Metal residues are trace amounts of toxic metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, that are released into the environment through industrial activities, waste disposal, or the burning of fossil fuels. These metals can accumulate in the air, soil, and water, contributing to pollution. They pose significant health risks, including neurological damage, kidney…

  • Phthalates

    Phthalates Phthalates are chemical compounds commonly used as plasticizers to make plastics more flexible, durable, and soft. They are found in a wide range of products, including vinyl flooring, cosmetics, medical devices, and food packaging. Phthalates can leach out of products and evaporate into the air, leading to potential human exposure through inhalation, ingestion, or…

  • Ozone

    Ozone Ozone (O₃) is a gas formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) in the presence of sunlight. It plays a dual role in the environment: in the stratosphere, ozone forms the ozone layer, which protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation. However, at…

  • Fine Particulate Matter

    Fine Particulate Matter Fine particulate matter are microscopic particles suspended in the air, known as aerosols. PM10 includes particles smaller than 10 micrometers, and PM2.5 refers to those under 2.5 micrometers. These particles originate from human activities (e.g., industry, transport, agriculture) and natural sources (e.g., wildfires, volcanic eruptions) or form through chemical reactions in the…

  • Volatile Organic Compounds

    Volatile Organic Compounds Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that easily vaporize into the air at room temperature, contributing significantly to air pollution. VOCs include such compounds as methane, benzene, xylene, propane and butane. VOCs are emitted by various sources, including industrial processes, transportation, and agriculture (ruminants and cultivation). They play a major role…

  • Water pollution

    Water pollution Water pollution refers to the contamination of water bodies—such as rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater—by harmful substances or pollutants. These pollutants can include chemicals, toxins, heavy metals, sewage, and plastics. Water pollution can result from various sources, including industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, wastewater, and improper waste disposal. It negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems, harms…

  • Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

    Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of over 4,000 human-made chemicals known for their heat, water, and grease-resistant properties. Since the 1950s, PFAS have been widely used in consumer goods such as textiles, food packaging, firefighting foams, and cosmetics.  Due to their widespread use and persistence, PFAS chemicals…

  • Forever chemicals

    Forever chemicals “Forever chemicals” is a term used to refer to a category of human-made synthetic chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are characterized by strong molecular bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms, making them highly resistant to degradation in the environment. PFAS can accumulate in nature and in human tissues, raising…