Pollutant Exposure and Effects

Risk

• The likelihood of harm from exposure to a pollutant.

• A measure of the financial loss due to an investment.

• The probability of a natural disaster occurring in a region.

• The chance of winning a game based on skill level.

Exposure

• Contact with a pollutant through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.

• The process of reducing pollution in the environment.

• A method of measuring air quality levels.

• The act of disposing of waste materials safely.

Dosage

• The total weight of an organism.

• The amount of pollutant an organism is exposed to over time.

• The duration of exposure to a pollutant.

• The concentration of a pollutant in the environment.

Synergistic Action

• When two or more pollutants interact to produce a greater effect than the sum of their individual impacts.

• The process by which pollutants are removed from the environment through natural means.

• A method of reducing pollution by using less harmful substances.

• The effect of a single pollutant on the environment without any interaction with others.

Tolerance Limits

• The range of temperatures an organism can survive.

• The maximum or minimum levels of a pollutant an organism can withstand without harm.

• The amount of food an organism needs to survive.

• The distance an organism can travel in search of food.

LD50

• The lethal dose at which 50% of a population dies from exposure to a pollutant.

• The minimum dose required to achieve a therapeutic effect in 50% of the population.

• The dose at which 50% of a population shows no adverse effects from exposure to a pollutant.

• The average dose that causes mild side effects in 50% of the population.

Chronic Toxicity

• Harmful effects from long-term, low-level exposure to a pollutant.

• Immediate harmful effects from high-level exposure to a pollutant.

• Temporary effects that resolve quickly after exposure to a pollutant.

• No significant effects from exposure to a pollutant.

Acute Toxicity

• Harmful effects from short-term, high-level exposure to a pollutant.

• Long-term effects from low-level exposure to a pollutant.

• Effects that occur only after prolonged exposure to a pollutant.

• No significant effects observed from any level of exposure.

Allergies

• Immune responses triggered by exposure to certain pollutants.

• A type of food intolerance that causes digestive issues.

• A genetic disorder affecting the respiratory system.

• A viral infection that leads to skin rashes.

Disruption of System Regulation

How do pollutants interfere with biological processes?

• By enhancing hormonal functions

• By causing hormonal or nervous system disruption

• By improving metabolic rates

• By increasing oxygen levels in the blood