Where It Comes From
Industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, building materials, cleaners and solvents, pesticides, tobacco and wildfire smoke, and contaminated soil or water [1][2].
How You Are Exposed
Breathing indoor/outdoor air, skin contact with products or dust, swallowing food, water, or soil; some jobs involve higher exposures [1][3].
Why It Matters
Effects vary by chemical and dose: irritation; breathing problems; liver, kidney, or nerve damage; some cause cancer or reproductive harm [1][4][5][6].
Who Is at Risk
Workers handling chemicals; pregnant people and fetuses; infants/children; older adults; people with asthma or chronic disease; communities near industry or heavy traffic [1][2][3].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Ventilate when using products; follow labels; store/dispose safely; use gloves/respirators as directed; don’t burn trash; test private wells; heed local advisories; review Safety Data Sheets at work [1][2][3].
References
- [1]ATSDR. ToxFAQs and exposure information. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.
- [2]WHO. Chemical safety and health. World Health Organization.
- [3]EPA. Human exposure pathways (Superfund Risk Assessment). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
- [4]IARC. Monographs on the identification of carcinogenic hazards to humans.
- [5]NTP. Report on Carcinogens. U.S. National Toxicology Program.
- [6]CDC/NIOSH. Reproductive health and the workplace. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.