Analysis of Some Hazardous and Toxic Substances

When broken down into their component parts, hazardous and toxic substances are composed of heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. Table 4.1 below lists some major components of these substances and where they are found in both the human and physical environment.

The Table also shows the respective functionality of the human system that is affected by the contaminants.

Table 4.1: Hazardous Substance, Sources and Effects

S/N	Hazardous Substance	Source	Effect
1	Asbestos	Old insulation	Respiratory
2	Radon	The ground	Respiratory
3	Cadmium	Old batteries	Respiratory, renal, nervous
4	Benzene	Degreasers	Respiratory
5	Carbon monoxide	Car exhaust, unvented or faulty furnaces	Respiratory, Reproductive, Cardiovascular, Nervous
6	Soot	Furnaces, wood burning stoves	Respiratory
7	Lead	Old paint, outdated plumbing	Renal, reproductive, Immune
8	Mercury	Thermostats, thermometers, Fish	Renal, immune, skin
9	Uranium	Food and water, proximity to nuclear testing sites	Renal
10	Chlorinated hydrocarbon solvent	Degreasers, paint removers, dry cleaning solutions	Renal
11	Carbon disulfide	Industrial production	Cardiovascular
12	Nitrates	Fertilizers	Cardiovascular
13	Methylene chloride	Auto part cleaners, paint removers	Cardiovascular, hepatic
14	Methyl mercury	Fish, coal-burning power	Reproductive
15	Arsenic	Pressure treated wood	Nervous, skin
16	Cyanide	Rat poison	nervous
17	Pesticides	Unwashed fruits and vegetables	Immune
18	Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)	Industrial waste, fish from contaminated water	Immune, skin
19	Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)	Cigarette smoke, vehicle exhaust, asphalt roads	Immune
20	Nickel	Cement	Skin
21	Chromium	Paints, industrial production	Skin
22	VOC (volatile organic compounds)	Fumes from gasoline, paint, adhesives, building supplies	Skin
23	Carbon tetrachloride	Adhesives	Hepatic
24	Vinyl chloride	Pipe sealer	Hepatic

Source: Adapted from the Booklet of Health Effects of Chemical Exposure

Read Also : Hazardous Substance Treatment and Disposal

The understanding of the interrelationships among hazardous and toxic substances and soil, plant, water and aquatic life and human health is expected to inform a proper waste management method for the betterment of the complex web of life in the environment.