A large number of chemical pollutants enter the environment in a short time, which can cause adverse reactions, acute poisoning and even death of the exposed person in a short time. Gases such as chlorine, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide and methane, as well as pesticides and arsenic compounds are discharged in large quantities with waste gas and wastewater, causing acute poisoning of people and livestock.
(2) Chronic hazards
The chronic hazards caused by long-term and low-concentration chemical pollutants in the environment are: ① chronic diseases. For example, the long-term effects of air pollutants are related to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ② Continuous accumulation of hazards. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, and organic compounds such as fat-soluble polychlorinated biphenyls that are difficult to degrade can be stored in tissues and organs for a long time, which is harmful to the health of the body or the next generation. ③ Nonspecific effect. For example, physical resistance is weakened, health status is declining, and non-specific diseases are frequent.
(3) Carcinogenesis
Common environmental chemical carcinogens include benzo [a] pyrene, coal tar, asphalt, asbestos, benzidine, chromium and chromium compounds, nickel and nickel compounds, arsenic and arsenic compounds, benzene, vinyl chloride and so on.
(4) Teratogenesis
It has been proved that many drugs and environmental chemicals have teratogenic effects on human beings, such as methylmercury, cyclophosphamide, diethylstilbestrol, androgen, polychlorinated biphenyls, iodide, toluene and so on.
(5) mutation
Many studies have shown that mutation may be an important cause of carcinogenesis and teratogenesis. There are many factors in the environment that can induce mutation, such as formaldehyde, arsenic compounds, nitrite, N- nitroso compounds, ionizing radiation, some viruses, aflatoxin and so on.
(6) Immunotoxicity
Suppress immune function, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metal poisons, certain pesticides, certain drugs, ionizing radiation, etc. Cause allergic reaction; Causes autoimmune reactions, such as vinyl chloride, certain drugs, food additives, etc.
(7) Environmental endocrine disruptors
Refers to a class of exogenous substances that have similar hormone effects and interfere with endocrine function, thus causing harmful effects on the body or future generations. At present, it is considered that environmental endocrine disruptors are related to reproductive disorders, birth defects, developmental abnormalities, metabolic disorders and the occurrence and development of some cancers.