Background:
Toxins are plant or animal-created substances that are often found to be poisonous to humans. Typically, toxins such as bacteria (which come from germs), lead (metals), and certain types of chemicals are the most likely to cause issues for human beings; however, in other instances, small doses of toxins are seen to be used in medicine.
Production of Environmental Toxins:
Toxins are produced in several different environments, with different purposes. Phytotoxins. toxins produced by plants, are a result of a natural defense mechanism against certain threats: insects, microorganisms, and environmental conditions. Phytotoxins such as Cyanogenic glycosides can be found in day-to-day food: almonds, cassava, stone fruits, etc. A certain consumption of this toxin can expose humans to an unnecessary concentration of cyanide—causing cyanide poisoning. On the other hand, algal toxins are a production of ocean/freshwater algae, occurring especially during blooms of certain algal species. Oftentimes, shellfish are likely to have these toxins within their organisms, unlike other fish and ocean species. Overall, toxins can be found as a product of microorganisms - from mushrooms and beans to microscopic algae and plankton; however, their effects on humans vary significantly.
Environmental Toxins Effects:
Usually, humans and the environment have a very stable connection - in which they both keep the opposing system alive and functioning. However, the implication of environmental toxins causes a fall-out in this balance - generally targeting people, and more specifically, the brain. Nature occurring neurotoxins are extremely important when it comes to the development of neurodegenerative diseases, causing neuronal cell death. In other instances, these biological pollutant organisms can result in cancer, respiratory disease, cardiovascular problems, and issues with the endocrine system. Other toxins, such as algal toxins (through drinks/food contamination), can cause different problems: diarrhea, vomiting, tingling, paralysis. Overall, natural toxins are the cause of many adverse health effects in humans and are a key area in which society must focus on limiting exposure to.
References:
Health. “Environmental Toxins and Contaminants.” Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care, 8 July 2022, www.health.gov.au/topics/environmental-health/what-were-doing/environmental-toxins-and-contaminants#:~:text=Common%20environmental%20toxins%20include%3A.
Mehndiratta, ManM, et al. “Environmental Toxins and Brain: Life on Earth Is in Danger.” Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, vol. 0, no. 0, 2022, p. 0, https://doi.org/10.4103/aian.aian_169_22.
“Toxins: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.” Medlineplus.gov, 2020,
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002331.htm.
World Health Organization. “Natural Toxins in Food.” Who.int, World Health Organization: WHO, 9 May 2018, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/natural-toxins-in-food.
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