PERSISTENT ORGANIC POLLUTANTS
A description of how Heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene affect the environment
Heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene are part of the persistent organic pollutants that may have affected the environment around me. Heptachlor is one of the toxic chemicals that do not easily break down when released to the environment. It has affected the environment by bioaccumulating in freshwater invertebrates and fish. The chemical is highly toxic to both warm and cold water fish and also the upland birds. Continued exposure to Heptachlor leads to dizziness, seizures and tremors in human beings. Hexachlorobenzene is a toxic chemical that is found on the oceans, sediments and background soils. The disposal of hexachlorobenzene products in open-air places make it available in the atmosphere hence affecting the environment. The effects of hexachlorobenzene on the environment is that it makes atmospheric air unfit for breathing. Intake of air that contains hexachlorobenzene chemicals leads to breathing problems in individuals.
Are enough efforts being put in place to reduce the exposure of humans to persistent organic pollutants?
Recently, the government is putting in tremendous efforts to ensure that Americans are protected against the effects of persistent organic pollutants. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry as established measures to ensure that Americans are protected against the dangers of persistent organic pollutants. One of the strategies is the enacting of laws and policies that compel companies to treat dangerous gases before releasing them to the environment. Failing to observes the policies attract huge fines; hence industry owners make sure that the gases are well managed. Another strategy is through providing protective education to people on how they can be able to reduce the exposure to the pollutants.