This category encompasses contaminants associated with plastic production and industrial processes. It may include by-products of plastic manufacturing as well as other industrial chemicals and pollutants. Often times these are chemicals added to plastics to improve flexibility, durability, and resilience.

Potential Health Risks: Exposure to these harmful chemicals is linked to adverse adverse health outcomes such as; cancers, birth defects, impaired immunity, endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive effects. For example, ingesting or swallowing high amounts of chlorine, can irritate the digestive tract leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Heavy metals are metallic elements that have a high density and can be toxic even at low concentrations. They often originate from industrial processes, mining, and natural geological sources.

Potential Health Risks: Heavy metal toxicity can lower energy levels, inhibit brain function, lungs, damage the kidneys, liver, blood composition and other important organs. For example, exposure to lead can cause neurodevelopmental issues, leading to learning disabilities and decreased IQ in children.

VOCs are organic chemicals that have a high vapor pressure at room temperature, meaning they easily evaporate into the air. They can come from various sources, including paints, solvents, fuels, and household products, and can contribute to indoor and outdoor air pollution.

Potential Health Risks: Eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination and nausea, damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals, some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

Pharmaceutical compounds are medications and drugs that can enter water sources through various routes, including human and animal excretion, improper disposal, and wastewater treatment plant effluent. They can include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and personal care products.

Potential Health Risks: Expired medicines are often disposed of incorrectly leading to unknown exposure of the type and quantity of pharmaceuticals. Unintended and interactive reactions may occur. Some pharmaceuticals bioaccumulate in humans, which could decrease fertility and cause breast and testosterone cancers, and increase the presence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

These are chemical substances used in agriculture, landscaping, and pest control to kill, repel, or otherwise manage pests, weeds, and insects.

Potential Health Risks: Exposure to pesticides can cause skin or eye irritation, cancer, nervous system dysfunction, and hormone imbalance. For example, atrazine can affect health by altering the way that the reproductive system works, increasing in the risk of pre-term delivery.

DBPs are formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic matter in water. Trihalomethanes (THMs) are common DBPs.

Potential Health Risks: While disinfection is essential for preventing microbial contamination, excessive levels of DBPs can pose health risks, including an increased risk of cancer and reproductive issues.