PowerPoint Presentation

Environmental Toxicants: Human Exposures and their Health Effects Compiled by Dr Vikas D Dighe

Environmental toxicology focuses on effects of chemical poisons released into the environment.Carcinogens: cause cancerMutagens: cause mutations in DNATeratogens: cause birth defectsAllergens: cause unnecessary immune responseNeurotoxins: damage nervous systemEndocrine disruptors: interfere with hormonesTypes of toxicants

Toxicants take many routes through the environmentChemical Testing

Environmental health hazards

Phthalates are known as "plasticizers", compounds used in the production of plastics to help make then soft and pliable.Phthalates are considered to be endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).Phthalates are used in cosmetics, perfumes and fixatives, aerosols, paints, lotions, air fresheners, shampoos, conditioners, lubricants, medications, medical bags and tubing, antifoaming agents, skin emollients, nail polish, and false fingernails.

ConvulsionsDowns SyndromeMultiple SclerosisParkinsons DiseaseAlzheimers Diseaseshort-term memory lossAmyotrophic Lateral SclerosisOsteoporosis

Drainage of fertilizers and pesticides into a stream

Carbide is known to be a carcinogenicits consumption for long periods of time predisposes one to a high risk of developing cancer andsome other abnormalities in the stomach. If pregnant women consume fruit ripened with carbide, the children born could develop abnormalities.

BANANA RIPENING

Create awareness and follow:

To eliminate open defecationConversion of insanitary toilets to pour flush toiletsTo Eradicate manual scavenging100% collection and scientific processing/disposal reuse/recycle of Municipal Solid WasteTo bring about a behavioural change in people regarding healthy sanitation practicesTo generate awareness among the citizens about sanitation and its linkages with public healthTo Strengthen urban local bodies to design, execute and operate systemsTo create enabling environment for private sector participation in Capital Expenditure and Operation & Maintenance