Table 4: Examples of chemical pollutants
Chemicals found in food and water Chemicals found in the home and workplace Chemicals found
outdoors
  • Lead
  • Deliberate or accidental food adulteration
  • Nitrates in drinking water
  • Aflatoxin and other natural food toxicants
  • Trace pesticides in water supply, many from agro-chemicals
  • High mineral content in drinking water
  • Aluminium
  • Arsenic in groundwater
  • Fluoride in groundwater
  • Copper
  • Mercury in fish
  • PCBs/dioxins in food
  • Carbon monoxide from combustion of fossil fuels
  • Lead from paint
  • Tobacco smoke
  • Asbestos
  • Smoke from combustion of coal, wood or other biomass fuels
  • Insecticides and herbicides used around the home
  • Mercury
  • Radon
  • Formaldehyde from insulation
  • Lead from automobile exhausts and external paint
  • Sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen from industries, power stations and auto engines
  • Ozone and photochemical smog
  • Carbon monoxide from combustion of fuels
  • Cadmium, mercury compounds and other heavy metals
  • Dioxins, PCBs and pesticides
  • Agricultural chemicals

 

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