Environmental impact, adverse effect

Many factors affect the mechanisms and kinetics of sorption and transport processes. For instance, differences in the chemical stmcture and properties, ie, ionizahility, solubiUty in water, vapor pressure, and polarity, between pesticides affect their behavior in the environment through effects on sorption and transport processes. Differences in soil properties, ie, pH and percentage of organic carbon and clay contents, and soil conditions, ie, moisture content and landscape position climatic conditions, ie, temperature, precipitation, and radiation and cultural practices, ie, crop and tillage, can all modify the behavior of the pesticide in soils. Persistence of a pesticide in soil is a consequence of a complex interaction of processes. Because the persistence of a pesticide can govern its availabiUty and efficacy for pest control, as weU as its potential for adverse environmental impacts, knowledge of the basic processes is necessary if the benefits of the pesticide ate to be maximized. 

Urban, rural and industrial developments may have profound effects on the surrounding environment. Such effects can defeat the object of development, in that the negative environmental impact may outweigh the benefits. In the case of natural resources, inappropriate development may even destroy the resource base. If environmental matters are accorded adequate consideration during the planning and management of development programs and projects it is possible for pollutants to be assimilated. As a result, the whole development can be accommodated by the environment in such a way that adverse effects are minimized and the economic and social benefits of development are maximized. 

Abstract The characterization of toxicological impact of chemicals and mixtures from environmental matrices is a critical point in the assessment of adverse effects induced in human and ecological targets. In fact, the toxicity of most of the environmental mixtures is still under investigation due to the possibility of synergic or antagonistic effects of the components. Moreover, in some cases, the toxicity of identified chemicals is not already well known and it could be an additional matter of concern. 

Immunoenhancement, which, as adverse effect, may lead to immune-mediated diseases such as hypersensitivity reactions and autoimmune diseases. Hypersensitivity reactions are the result of normally beneficial immune responses acting inappropriately, causing inflammatory reactions and tissue damage. The two most frequent manifestation of chemical-induced allergy are contact hypersensitivity and respiratory sensitization, both of which can have a serious impact on quality of life and represent a common occupational health problem. Hypersensitivity reactions are often considered to be increased at such a rate to become a major health problem in relation to environmental chemical exposure. 

Risk assessment An evaluation of the potential impacts of a chemical or physical hazard on human health or the environment. A risk assessment is the first step in managing and minimizing risks. Risk assessments often include identifying human health or environmental threats, possible exposure routes (e.g. inhalation, digestion, or contact with skin), the likely duration of any exposure, and the individuals that are at risk (e.g. workers, the general public, or both). A risk assessment may also involve defining the probability of an adverse effect and establishing safety limits based on health standards. 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has evolved as a comprehensive approach to project evaluation, in which environmental factors, as well as economic and technical considerations (e.g. Cost Benefit Analysis), are given appropriate consideration in the decisionmaking process. The purpose of an EIA study is to determine the potential environmental, social and health effects of a proposed development. It attempts to define and assess the physical, biological and socio-economic effects, so that logical and rational decisions are made. The identification of possible alternative sites and/or processes may assist in the reduction of potential adverse impacts. 

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