Table 2.
Other toxic chemicals that we are exposed To: Methods of exposure and health effects
| Chemical | Exposure | Health effects | References |
|---|---|---|---|
|
| |||
| Acrylamides | *It is utilized in the production of dyes, paper, and various industrial products. *It is employed in the creation of chemicals used for water purification, sewage treatment, paper manufacturing, as well as certain cosmetics and soaps. *Baking, frying, or roasting certain foods such as potatoes or grains can lead to the production of acrylamide. Potato chips and French fries are known to contain significant levels of acrylamide. *Acrylamide can also be found in cigarette smoke. |
*It is considered a potential carcinogen. It irritates the skin and may act as a tumor initiator, increasing the risk of skin cancer. *Symptoms also include dermatitis in the exposed area and peripheral neuropathy. *Inhaling acrylamide also causes irritation in the respiratory passages. *Long-term animal studies demonstrated that it could lead to reproductive issues, nerve damage, and cancer. |
74–76 |
| Cadmium (Cd) | *Dietary intake, as it gets absorbed by plant and animal foods. *Inhaling cigarette smoke. *In occupational settings such as battery manufacturing, metal soldering, or welding. |
Cd can cause significant irritation to the stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. *Inhalation of Cd is detrimental to lung and can be fatal. *Prolonged exposure to low levels of Cd leads to kidney disease and weakened bones. *Cd is classified as a carcinogenic. |
77–79 |
| Inorganic arsenic (IAs) | *The primary source of IAs is contaminated drinking water. *It can also be found in certain foods, including rice and certain types of fish, as a result of its presence in soil or water. |
*IAs is recognized as a human carcinogen and has been associated with various cancers, including skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers. *Studies have indicated a potential link between low to moderate levels of IAs and metabolic disorders, such as diabetes. *Even at low concentrations, IAs has been found to act as an endocrine disruptor. |
80–83 |
| Lead (Pb) | *Touching old paint dust, and contaminated soil. *Drinking contaminated water. *Occupations related to mining, ironwork or welding, construction including building renovation and remodeling, smelters, shooting ranges, manufacture and disposal of car batteries, automobile radiator repair, and manufacture of pottery or stained glass. |
*Concentration-dependent Children: Delayed puberty, reduced postnatal growth, decreased academic achievement, IQ, specific cognitive measures, and hearing as well as increased incidence of attention-related behaviors. Adults: Decreased kidney function and reduced fetal growth in pregnant individuals as well as increased risk of high blood pressure and tremor. |
84,85 |
| Perchlorates | *Drinking contaminated water, milk, and by eating certain plants with high water content (e.g., lettuce), if those plants washed with perchlorate-containing water. *Manufacturing perchlorate-containing products. |
*Large amounts of perchlorate have been used medically to treat overactive thyroid in humans. *Animal studies showed that perchlorate can decrease the production of thyroid hormones. |
86–88 |
| Chlordane and heptachlor | *Eating foods high in fat (meat, fish, and dairy products). *Pregnant women may pass them to the fetus. *Can be passed to infants via breast milk. |
* Short-term significant exposures can cause seizures and injure the liver. *They are considered potential cancer-causing chemicals in humans. |
89,90 |