Persistent Bioaccumulative

Toxins

And why we shouldn’t eat them

Mercury

Neurological effects “Mad Hatter” “Cabin Fever” Fluorescent and neon bulbs Switches Dentists Preservatives (thimerosol)

Lead

Lowered IQ, shortened attention span, kidney destruction, miscarriage, weakness, mutated sperm, infertility, impotence, anemia

Fluorescent bulbs Batteries Paint Bullets Fishing sinkers - waterfowl

Lead in Cars

Batteries Wheel balancing

weights Alloys & coatings Electronics PVC stabilizers

Nickel Metal Hydride Tin,

Steel Lead free or limited

Lead free solder Polypropylene

Lead from Automobiles

Primary Lead Production(59,507 tons)

Secondary LeadProduction (6,076 tons)

Vehicle Manufacturing andAssembly (2,222 tons)

Secondary SteelProduction (3,991 tons)

Wheel Weight Loss (5,288tons)

Lead Acid Batteries toLandfill (42,887 tons)

Lead Content of ASR(16,537 tons)

Cadmium

Batteries Pigments & coatings Stabilizer (PVC) Lung cancer, kidney destruction,

hypertension

Alkyl phenols (nonyl phenol)

Used in detergents Pesticide carrier Shampoo Don’t break down quickly Endocrine disruptors P&G, Health Canada

Triclosan

Chlorinated phenoxy phenol Dioxin Found in human milk (weak endocrine effect) Toxic to aquatic environments Microban in plastic and clothing (Playskool) Biofresh in acrylic Common in soap (Dial, Softsoap)

PBDE (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers)

Fire retardant Computers Rugs Furniture cushions Automobiles and airplanes

Endocrine disruption (brain development) Sale Banned in Washington (RCW 70.76.020)

Except Deca-BDE Recycled or previously owned

PVC Produces dioxin when burned or manufactured Cadmium and Lead are used in PVC (stabilizers) Ubiquitous (most “vinyl”)

D-ring binders ID cards Automobiles

Better – polyolefin, polypropylene, polyethylene

Phthalates (dibutyl phthalate, etc.) Plasticizer in PVC

Raingear 3-ring binders Vinyl flooring Blood bags IV tubing

Soaps Liver & kidney damage, endocrine disruption, birth

defects – weak associations Alkyl Citrates are better

Metro-Effluent is a Complex Mixture of Compounds

0

2

4

6

8

10

Alkylphenols

Triclosan

Plasticizers

FragrancesDEET

Pharmaceutic

als

g/L

Bisphenol A

Endocrine disruptor Breast cancer, low sperm count, infertility Neurotoxicity, obesity

Food cans Beverage containers (polycarbonate) Affects legume signalling