A detailed table listing the different contaminant names, sources and potential health effects.
Fecal bacteria (Enterococcus species used as indicators of other, more harmful bacteria) | Illicit sewer connections to stormwater, wildlife, agriculture | Infection leading to vomiting or diarrhea, can be serious for people with compromised immune systems or open cuts |
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Heavy metals (zinc, copper, lead, mercury, arsenic, etc.) | Lumber and paper mill industries (mercury), historic landfill material | Chronic exposure has been linked to problems in almost every organ system, including bone, kidney, reproductive and lung diseases, as well as cancer |
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) | Wood treating industry, burning fossil fuels or plastics, coke ovens | Some are likely carcinogenic, chronic exposure can lead to lung, kidney, gastrointestinal, and skin problems |
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) | Nonstick and water repellant coatings, fire extinguishing foam, many other consumer goods | Immune system suppressant in humans, hormone disruption, reproductive harm, increased cholesterol levels |
Petroleum hydrocarbons | Gas stations, past shipyards and marinas, paper industry, wood treating chemicals, municipal waste | Certain types cause neurological, reproductive issues and are likely carcinogenic at high exposure levels, effects of chronic exposure less understood |
Dioxins and furans | Lumber and paper industry, past burning activities | Reproductive, developmental, immune problems, hormone disruption and cancer |
Organotins | Antifoulant paint used for ships, PVC | Shown in animal studies to be neurotoxic in large amounts, possible hormone disruptor |
Polychlorinated biphenyls | Older plastics, electrical equipment, oil | Carcinogenic in animal studies, probable human carcinogen |