Organophosphate insecticides are generally easily broken down in the environment. However, they are quite toxic to humans and other mammals. Carbamates are also relatively easily broken down in the environment. Although the are acetlcholine inhibitors, as are organophoshates, they are generally less toxic to humans than organophosphates. List at least two sources of dioxins to the environment and discuss why they are of concern in the environment.
Dioxins are a byproduct of herbicide production.
They are also produced during the production of chlorinated phenols, burning wood preserved with phentachlorophenol, pulp and paper mills that use chlorine in bleaching pulp, and incinerators. Dioxines bioaccumulate and biomagnify in the environment. Although their toxicity is debatable, they may be highly toxic. List the sources and possible adverse effects of PCBs. PCBs are used in electrical transformers and capacitors, as plasticizers, as additives in epoxy paints, and as deinking solvents in recycling newsprint.