Persistent organic compounds in the environment their impact on human health: A review

Om Prakash Bansal

doi:10.30574/gscbps.2019.8.2.0145

Abstract

Globally the organic contaminants are most widespread persistent organic compounds (POPs). The POPs include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated di benzo -p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, antimicrobials, etc. The PAHs are generated by incomplete combustion of coal, diesel, coal tar pitch, tobacco; volcanic eruption and motor vehicle exhaust, etc.; the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCCDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are introduced in the environment via agricultural applications, industrial waste, household wastes. Major exposure routes to the POPs for humans are via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. These contaminants are deposited in marine, freshwater ecosystem and food chain and have adverse effects on organisms and human health. Some of these chemicals have mutagenic and/or carcinogenic properties. In this review methods of the removal of the PAHs have also been discussed.

Highlights

Persistent organic compounds one of the most widespread organic contaminants of the environment, are those organic compounds which resist chemical, biological and photolysis degradation in the environment
As these compounds persist for long periods and are bio accumulated in environment are passed from one species to another via food chain causing harmful effects to the ecosystem and human health
Persistent organic compounds which are natural and anthropogenic contaminants are present in surface water, agricultural soils, and marine sediments, in foods, bovine and mother's milk

Summary

Introduction

Persistent organic compounds one of the most widespread organic contaminants of the environment, are those organic compounds which resist chemical, biological and photolysis degradation in the environment. Branded or non-branded toys, mouse pads, bathing shoes, bicycle handles, tools, shoes, sport items, car tyres, synthetic turfs, wood preservatives, road building materials, clay pigeons used for shooting exercise contain persistent organic compounds polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [3]. The effects of these pollutants occur at a far distance from the origin place as these compounds are transported by wind, water. Volatile persistent organic pollutants such as HCH, HCB are dispersed throughout the world even on Polar Regions As these compounds persist for long periods and are bio accumulated in environment are passed from one species to another via food chain causing harmful effects to the ecosystem and human health. Because of which the DDT is still used extensively in China, India and other Asian and African countries [7, 8]

Adverse effects of persistent organic compounds

Natural

Reservoirs of POPs

Conclusion

Findings

Disclosure of conflict of interest None