8.3

• Endocrine disruptors: chemicals that interfere with the endocrine systems of animals

  • Bind to cellular receptors meant for hormones and blocks the hormone from being received, or amplifying its effects
  • Human medications that pass through urine and into sewage/flushed down toilet are a common source
  • Birth control leads to feminization in male species
• What is Atrazine primarily used for?

  Broad spectrum herbicide
• How does Atrazine contaminate water sources?

  It runs off into local water bodies and groundwater
• What is a consequence of Atrazine being carried by wind?

  It contaminates human well water
• What type of pesticide is DDT?

  Broad-spectrum insecticide
• Why was DDT phased out?

  It persists in the environment
• What are phthalates used in?

  Plastic and cosmetic manufacturing
• Where can lead be found?

  Old paint, water pipes, and soils
• What is the effect of lead as a neurotoxicant?

  It damages the nervous system
• What is mercury classified as?

  Teratogen
• How is mercury released into the environment?

  Through coal combustion and trash incineration
• What is arsenic's natural occurrence?

  In rocks
• How can arsenic dissolve in drinking water?

  It can dissolve from rocks
• What is a major source of arsenic contamination?

  Mining activities
• What is the classification of arsenic?

  Carcinogenic