Introduction
Long-term exposure to different substances or environmental pollution can significantly impact health outcomes. It can have long-term consequences on people’s health, some of which may be extremely harmful in the long term. While the intensity of these conditions might differ, chronic exposure leads to various detrimental health outcomes. The possible issues connected to long-term exposure to substances must be understood.
Environmental Factors and Population Behaviors Affecting Chemical Exposure in the Hedgeman Paper
Several environmental factors and population behaviors affect exposure to the chemicals. As the study by Hedgeman et al. (2009) shows, exposure is influenced by various environmental variables, such as proximity to disposal facilities for hazardous waste, profession, and food. Consumption of tainted food and water sources, smoking, and using chemical-containing personal care and home goods are among the population behaviors that affect exposure (Hedgeman et al., 2009). Moreover, the study revealed that exposure to dioxin and other substances increased in homes subject to lead-based paint (Hedgeman et al., 2009). The article states these factors are crucial in evaluating the exposure and its severity.
Health Outcomes Linked with Chronic PCB Exposure
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) cause several adverse health effects when exposed to them for a long time. This type of chemicals was used in industry but have been outlawed due to their detrimental impact on human health and the environment (Adetona et al., 2020). According to several studies, exposure to PCBs increases the chance of developing serious diseases, including liver, lung, and breast cancer (Djekkoun et al., 2021).
PCBs are essentially human carcinogens and can alter DNA cells, leading to the growth of cancer cells. They can change hormone levels, which can lead to a range of severe conditions, including infertility, low sperm count, and irregular periods. (Djekkoun et al., 2021). Moreover, exposure can cause neurological issues like memory loss and harm the neurological system.
Concerns Regarding the Potential Risks of Nanomaterials
Within these settings, the issue of nanotechnology is among the most controversial in modern toxicology. There are worries about the possible hazards connected with nanomaterials even though nanotechnology has the potential for numerous advantageous uses (Hedgeman et al., 2009). The potential threats nanoparticles may pose to the environment and society have yet to be adequately explored.
Although several studies have shown that specific nanomaterials can be harmful, more information is needed to fully understand the threat (Hedgeman et al., 2009). Nanomaterials differ from conventional chemicals, making detecting and controlling exposure difficult (Li et al., 2021). For instance, nanoparticles may be breathed easily, airborne, and can also be swallowed or absorbed via the skin (Li et al., 2021). Because of their tiny size may also pass through biological membranes and collect in different bodily areas. It is, therefore, challenging to establish suitable protections and control their use.
Conclusion
Exposure to chemical substances can be reduced and mitigated through risk assessment, proper management, and preventive techniques. As can be seen, chronic exposure to PCBs is connected with several serious diseases, including cancer, issues with reproduction and development, and neurological problems. To safeguard the public’s health and well-being, it is crucial to restrict their exposure to these dangerous compounds. In addition, several issues underscore the necessity for ongoing study and the creation of safety regulations to encourage the appropriate use of nanomaterials.
References
Adetona, O., Ooh, O. B., Oluseyi, T., Uzoegwu, Q., Node, J., & Lucas, M. (2020). An exploratory evaluation of the potential pulmonary, neurological, and other health effects of chronic exposure to emissions from municipal solid waste fires at a large dumpsite in Olusosun, Lagos, Nigeria. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 27(1), 30885-30892. Web.
Djekkoun, N., Lalau, J. D., Bach, V., Depeint, F., & Khorsi-Cauet, H. (2021). Chronic oral exposure to pesticides and their consequences on metabolic regulation: Role of the microbiota. European Journal of Nutrition, 60(8), 4131-4149. Web.
Hedgeman, Chen, Q., Hong, B., Chang, C.-W., Olson, K., LaDronka, K., Ward, B., Adriaens, P., Demond, A., Gillespie, B. W., Lepkowski, J., Franzblau, A., & Garabrant, D. H. (2009). The University of Michigan dioxin exposure study: Population survey results and serum concentrations for polychlorinated dioxins, furans, and biphenyls. Environmental Health Perspectives, 117(5), 811–817. Web.
Li, J., Zeng, H., Zheng, Z., Zheng, Y., & Xie, T. (2021). Promising graphene-based nanomaterials and their biomedical applications and potential risks: A comprehensive review. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 7(12), 5363-5396. Web.