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Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic
Pollutants (PBTs) and
Monitoring by the
Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN)
Persistent
bioaccumulative toxic pollutants (PBTs) are chemicals that are
toxic, persist in the environment, and bioaccumulate (build up to
higher levels) in food chains. PBTs can cause reproductive problems,
developmental problems, and other harmful effects in humans and
wildlife. Many are also suspected carcinogens. For people, the main
route of exposure to these substances is through consumption of
contaminated fish rather than inhalation.
Since they are persistent, PBTs transfer easily
among air, water, and land and can travel long distances across
continents and even the globe.
The Integrated
Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) is run jointly by U.S. EPA’s
Great Lakes National Program Office and Environment Canada and
monitors PBTs in air and precipitation.
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