Biological interaction with environmental chemicals is common. These are xenobiotic materials and organisms may interact with them; this interaction is called bioaccumulation. This could essentially be a buildup of these materials, which are usually harmful and cannot be broken down easily. These materials can also be anywhere, including drinking water or food; for example, pesticides in food.
Since these xenobiotic materials can be present in so many places, it’s very easy for them to spread through the entire food chain. This is also known for becoming more concentrated in organisms if one organism eats another with the substance present inside them. Also, if the xenobiotic substance isn’t toxic to begin with, the levels could increase to levels that are toxic. For instance, the xenobiotic materials could begin in the natural environment because of pollutants in water. If a fish comes into contact with the materials in water through it's gills, it could pass it on to its prey. If its prey happens to be a human, the human will therefore ingest these materials in his or her system.
Going back to pesticides, we could ask why do we use pesticides in food and why is it harmful? First, they are used to keep pests such as ants or slugs off of the farmers crops but many don't realize that these chemicals can't just be washed off fruits and vegetables. Many also don't realize the effects that pesticides have on humans such as birth defects, interference with child development, neurological problems, and much more. They may even cause cancers such as leukemia, brain cancer, and cancer of the kidneys.
Going back to pesticides, we could ask why do we use pesticides in food and why is it harmful? First, they are used to keep pests such as ants or slugs off of the farmers crops but many don't realize that these chemicals can't just be washed off fruits and vegetables. Many also don't realize the effects that pesticides have on humans such as birth defects, interference with child development, neurological problems, and much more. They may even cause cancers such as leukemia, brain cancer, and cancer of the kidneys.
In short, not only will the concentration increase over time but can become toxic and easily spread throughout the food chain. With this being said, these factors, once coming into contact within humans, could very well be at it’s worst because we are technically at top of the food chain.
Resources:
Green Chemistry and the Ten Commandments of Sustainability By Stanley E. Manahan
http://www.triedtastedserved.com/mind-body-health/pesticides-gmos-food.php
http://www.triedtastedserved.com/mind-body-health/pesticides-gmos-food.php
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