PAGEPAGEBIOACCUMULATION - The accumulation of higher and higher concentrations of potentially toxic chemicals in organisms. Also known as biomagnification.
CARCINOGEN - A chemical capable of inducing cancer.
CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS - Synthetic organic molecules in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine atoms. They are extremely hazardous compounds because they tend to be nonbiodegradable, and they tend to bioaccumulate. Also known as organochlorides.
CHRONIC EXPOSURE - Exposure to a chemical for 365 days, or more.
FOOD CHAIN - The transfer of energy and material through a series of organisms by each one’s being fed upon by the next.
IMMUNOLOGIC TOXICITY - The occurrence of adverse effects on the immune system that may result from exposure to environmental agents such as chemicals.
MALFORMATIONS - Permanent structural changes that may adversely affect survival, development or function.
MUTAGEN - A substance that causes mutations. A mutation is a change in the genetic material in a body cell. Mutations can lead to birth defects, miscarriages, or cancer.
NO-OBSERVED-ADVERSE-EFFECT-LEVEL (NOAEL) - The dose of chemical at which this were no statistically or biologically significant increases in frequency or severity of adverse effects seen between the exposed population and its appropriate control. Effects may be produced at this dose, but they are not considered to be adverse.
PATHOGENIC - Capable of causing disease.
TERATOGEN - A chemical that causes structural defects that affect the development of an organism.
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