Persistent toxic chemicals

Kellogg, S.T., Chatterjee, D.K., and Chakrabarty, A.M., Plasmid-assisted molecular breeding New techniques for enhanced biodegradation of persistent toxic chemicals, Science, 214, 1133-1135, 1981. 

UNEP Chemicals, 2002. Regionally based assessment of persistent toxic chemicals - Indian Ocean, regional report, p. 91. 

The peril of persistent toxic chemicals was realized long after tons of these chemicals had been spread throughout the world. Once hailed as perfect chemicals for their intended uses, these long lasting OCPs, for examples, become burden to the environment and ecosystems where they have been... 

More than 30,000 different chemicals are produced or used in the Great Lakes region of the United States. This area contains 118 different hazardous waste sites that are contaminated with thousands of different chemicals. A study of this region has shown that human populations in it have elevated body burdens of persistent toxic chemical compounds. 

Many of the observed Great Lakes region toxic effects are attributed to persistent toxic chemical compounds. TCDD is associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in male reproductive function, and neurological malfunction. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and methyl mercury (MeHg) are associated with human thyroid hormone fluctuation, problems in female reproductive function, neurological and neurodevelopmental problems. These effects, summarized in Table 13.1, illustrate the difficulty in attributing a particular toxic effect to a single chemical, particularly when one considers the potential impacts of thousands of other chemicals. 

Table 13.1 Toxic Effects of Persistent Toxic Chemical Compounds1541...

Liability for possession and production of persistent toxic chemicals, particularly PCDD and PCDF is going to increase. In Ontario the recent promulgation of the "Spills Bill" has placed the liability for immediate cleanup and damages for a spill of toxic chemicals directly on the transporter and producer. This bill will eventually increase the cost of transportation of waste and promote on-site destruction devices. 

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