Five Major Types of Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals are substances that can cause harm to human or animal health, the environment, or both. There are many types of toxic chemicals, but the five major types include:
Organic Compounds – Organic compounds are substances containing carbon, and a wide variety of them can be toxic. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dioxins.
Heavy Metals – Heavy metals are elements that are significantly denser than most common substances, and can include lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. These metals can be toxic even at very low concentrations.
Inorganic Compounds – These are substances that do not contain carbon, and can include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and ammonia.
Pesticides – Pesticides are chemical compounds used to control or kill pests. They can be toxic to humans and animals, and can also have long-term impacts on the environment.
Radioactive Materials – Radioactive materials are substances that emit ionizing radiation, which can be damaging to living organisms. Examples include uranium, plutonium, and radium.
