Toxic organic chemicals
The problem-causing ones are persistent in the environment.
- E.g. solutes (DDT, PCB’s) & solvents (benzene, CCl4).
- released by factories, directly into streams & other surface waters.
- Some are wastes from production of a desirable chemical.
Most inhibit vital enzymes, so they have multiple effects.
- Some have induced stillbirths, SID, childhood leukemia