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Emerging Contaminants in the Environment

Emerging Contaminants in the Environment. Jennifer Davis, MPH, LEHP Environmental Toxicologist Illinois Department of Public Health. Toxicology Section. Created in 1986 to carry out the Illinois Department of Public Health’s responsibilities under the Environmental Toxicology Act

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Emerging Contaminants in the Environment

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  1. Emerging Contaminantsin the Environment Jennifer Davis, MPH, LEHP Environmental Toxicologist Illinois Department of Public Health

  2. Toxicology Section • Created in 1986 to carry out the Illinois Department of Public Health’s responsibilities under the Environmental Toxicology Act • Cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)

  3. Responsibilities • Evaluate hazardous waste sites • Assess the health effects of exposure to hazardous substances in the home • Respond to citizen inquiries • Identify actions necessary to mitigate or prevent health effects • Develop health advisories

  4. Additional Activities • Education • Workshops • Indoor Air Quality • Methamphetamine Laboratories • Children’s Health • Fish Advisories

  5. Emerging Contaminants • Newly “discovered” • Contaminants • Issues • Old becomes new • Technology changes • Additional research • New ways of using materials • Aged materials

  6. Pharmaceuticals • Antibiotics, anti-depressants, seizure medication, cancer treatments, etc. • Disposal? • Mid-’90s German researcher found 30 of 60 common pharmaceuticals he looked for • USGS currently conducting assessment of “emerging contaminants” in selected streams • Website: toxics.usgs.gov/regional/emc.html

  7. Impact of Pharmaceuticals • Mostly unknown • Aquatic life • Retired populations • Arid climates

  8. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers(PBDEs) • Penta: Used in polyurethane foam such as in mattresses, seat cushions, other upholstered furniture and rigid insulation. • Octa:  Used in high-impact plastics such as fax machines and computers, automobile trim, telephones and kitchen appliances. • Deca:  Used in carpet foam pads, draperies, television sets, computers, stereos and other electronics, cable insulation, adhesives, and textile coating.

  9. Mercury • Mad Hatter • Schools • Gas Regulators

  10. Arsenic • Maximum Contaminant Level reduction • From 50 µg/L to 10 µg/L • March 1999 National Academy of Science Report • “Maximizes health risk reduction benefits at a cost that is justified by the benefits”

  11. Lead • Old hazards still present • Lead paint • Lead in soil • Lead in pipes • New hazards • Imported powders • New health effects? • http://apnews.excite.com/article/20080127/D8UEEJV00.html

  12. Methamphetamine Labs • Easy “recipe” • Easily obtainable materials • Property contamination • Exposure of children

  13. Chemical Storage in Schools • Better Living Through Chemistry • Old inherited materials • Accidents and spills

  14. Contact Information: Jennifer Davis Illinois Department of Public Health 525 W Jefferson Street Springfield, IL 62761 217-785-3239 Jennifer.A.Davis@illinois.gov

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