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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Environmental Health & Safety: EDB

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EDB

EDB: A Legacy of Environmental Concern in Water Treatment

Ethylene dibromide (EDB), a colorless, volatile liquid, has a complex and concerning history in the realm of environmental and water treatment. Once widely used as a fumigant and a gasoline additive, EDB's legacy is marred by its recognition as a potent human carcinogen and its significant impact on groundwater contamination.

EDB's Use and its Environmental Impact:

  • Fumigant: EDB was extensively used as a soil fumigant to control pests, particularly nematodes, in agricultural crops. This practice, however, led to widespread soil and groundwater contamination.
  • Gasoline Additive: EDB was also employed as a lead scavenger in gasoline, reducing engine knocking. While this use was phased out in the 1970s, its legacy of contamination persists.
  • Water Treatment: EDB was briefly used as a disinfectant and biocide in the 1970s, but its use was rapidly discontinued due to its toxicity.

Health Concerns and Contamination:

  • Carcinogen: EDB is classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Studies have linked EDB exposure to an increased risk of cancer, particularly liver, breast, and bladder cancer.
  • Groundwater Contamination: The widespread use of EDB as a fumigant led to its leaching into groundwater, resulting in widespread contamination across the United States. This has impacted drinking water sources, posing significant health risks to communities.

Regulation and Remediation:

  • EPA Regulation: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented strict regulations for EDB levels in drinking water, setting a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 0.05 parts per billion (ppb).
  • Remediation Efforts: Addressing EDB contamination in groundwater involves complex remediation processes, often employing pump-and-treat systems to remove the contaminant from the water source.

The Legacy of EDB:

The story of EDB serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of using harmful chemicals without thorough safety assessments. Its widespread contamination and the associated health risks have highlighted the importance of responsible chemical use, rigorous regulation, and effective environmental monitoring.

Conclusion:

EDB's presence in water treatment and its legacy of environmental contamination highlight the importance of carefully evaluating the potential risks of chemical usage. Continuous vigilance in protecting our water resources and ensuring the safety of our drinking water supply is crucial to avoid the consequences of such past mistakes.

Test Your Knowledge

EDB Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What was the primary use of EDB that contributed to its widespread environmental contamination? (a) Gasoline additive (b) Disinfectant in water treatment (c) Fumigant for agricultural crops (d) Industrial solvent

Answer

(c) Fumigant for agricultural crops

2. EDB is classified as a human carcinogen by which organization? (a) World Health Organization (WHO) (b) Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (c) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) (d) National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Answer

(c) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

3. What is the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for EDB in drinking water set by the EPA? (a) 10 parts per billion (ppb) (b) 5 parts per billion (ppb) (c) 0.5 parts per billion (ppb) (d) 0.05 parts per billion (ppb)

Answer

(d) 0.05 parts per billion (ppb)

4. Which of the following is NOT a health risk associated with EDB exposure? (a) Liver cancer (b) Breast cancer (c) Lung cancer (d) Bladder cancer

Answer

(c) Lung cancer

5. What does the story of EDB emphasize? (a) The importance of sustainable agricultural practices (b) The need for stricter regulations on gasoline additives (c) The necessity of careful evaluation of chemical risks (d) The limitations of environmental monitoring technologies

Answer

(c) The necessity of careful evaluation of chemical risks

EDB Exercise

Task:

Imagine you are a researcher tasked with investigating the potential for EDB contamination in a local community's well water.

  • Describe three methods you would use to assess the potential for EDB contamination.
  • Explain why these methods are appropriate and how they would provide relevant information.

Exercice Correction

Here are three methods for assessing potential EDB contamination, along with explanations: 1. **Water Sampling and Analysis:** Collect water samples from the community well and test them for the presence of EDB. This is the most direct method, providing definitive evidence of contamination. Laboratory analysis can quantify the concentration of EDB, allowing for comparison to the EPA MCL. 2. **Soil Analysis:** Collect soil samples around the well, particularly in areas where agricultural activities or past fumigant applications might have occurred. Elevated EDB levels in the soil indicate a higher risk of leaching into groundwater. 3. **Historical Investigation:** Research the history of the area, including land use patterns, agricultural practices, and past industrial activities. This can help identify potential sources of EDB contamination and estimate the likelihood of well contamination. **Why these methods are appropriate:** * **Direct Measurement:** Water sampling provides direct confirmation of EDB presence. * **Source Identification:** Soil analysis helps pinpoint potential EDB sources. * **Risk Assessment:** Historical information allows for a comprehensive evaluation of potential contamination pathways. **Relevant Information:** * Water sampling results indicate the level of EDB contamination and potential health risks. * Soil analysis reveals the extent of EDB in the surrounding environment. * Historical investigation provides context for current contamination risks.

Books

  • Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: This comprehensive textbook provides detailed information on environmental pollutants, including EDB, their effects on ecosystems, and human health.
  • Contaminated Groundwater: Issues, Monitoring and Remediation: This book examines the causes, detection, and treatment of groundwater contamination, including specific chapters on EDB contamination.
  • The Pesticide Almanac: This resource details the history, usage, and environmental impact of various pesticides, including EDB.

Articles

  • "Ethylene Dibromide: A Review of its Environmental Fate and Toxicity" by J.B. Knaak (published in Environmental Health Perspectives): This article provides a detailed overview of EDB's environmental fate, toxicity, and health effects.
  • "The Impact of EDB Contamination on Groundwater Resources" by S.A. Spinks (published in Groundwater): This research article focuses on the extent and impact of EDB contamination in groundwater sources.
  • "Remediation of EDB-Contaminated Groundwater: A Case Study" by M.A. Smith and D.K. Johnson (published in Environmental Science & Technology): This article describes a case study of EDB contamination remediation strategies.

Online Resources

  • US EPA website on Ethylene Dibromide: This website provides a comprehensive overview of EDB regulations, health effects, and remediation efforts.
  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR): This website provides information on EDB's health effects and public health concerns.
  • National Pesticide Information Center: This website provides information on pesticide usage, safety, and environmental impact, including EDB.

Search Tips

  • Use specific keywords: "ethylene dibromide," "EDB contamination," "EDB health effects," "EDB remediation"
  • Combine keywords: Use a combination of keywords to narrow your search results. For example: "ethylene dibromide groundwater contamination," "EDB health risks and regulation"
  • Use quotation marks: Use quotation marks to search for exact phrases. For example: "ethylene dibromide and cancer"
  • Add location: Include location-based keywords to find information about EDB contamination in a specific area. For example: "EDB contamination in California"
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