Chapter 2 - Mechanism of toxicity and adverse health effects of environmental pollutants

Abstract

Inorganic and organic compounds constitute an essential part of our day to day lives. Almost every product involves the usage of these chemicals during the manufacturing process. In proper proportion, these compounds add to the quality of life. However, the negligent use of chemicals may be hazardous and negatively impact health and the environment. The existence of toxic heavy metals, including chromium, mercury, copper, and lead, even in trace amounts, may exert a deleterious effect on the environment and can be a serious threat to all organisms. Although heavy metals exist in the natural environment, various anthropogenic activities alter their biochemical and geochemical cycle. The ingestion of toxic environmental pollutants can exert serious health hazards. Organic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced by vehicular emissions, industrial activities, incomplete combustion of coal, oil, gas also exert toxic effects on human beings. Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHs) are also highly toxic environmental pollutants comprising a mixture of several hydrocarbons. Petrochemical industries and the accidental release of petroleum hydrocarbon are the major concern of marine environment pollution. PHs may cause the death of marine life and affects human beings as they are highly carcinogenic. This chapter discusses the occurrence, fate, and toxic effects of inorganic and organic pollutants.