We are surrounded by environmental toxins. Substances that may cause distress or disease to our bodies can be found in everything that we eat, in everything that we drink and even in the air we breathe. Some of these compounds are a by-product of an industrialized world. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium are released from factories or are produced as waste substances in the industry. We are also exposed to many naturally-occurring toxic substances.
Wildlife and humans are exposed to toxins via air, water, land, and food. People are responsible for introducing many types of toxins into the environment through industrial emissions, pesticides, medications, fertilizers, oil spills, sewage, garbage, and even lead bullets. The effects of toxins on wildlife can be difficult to ascertain and, usually, harder to remedy. Once toxins enter the environment, they accumulate in the food chain, affecting all levels of the ecosystem. Understanding the intricacies of these systems and the effects of these contaminants often requires extensive scientific research, and many years and conservation dollars to reverse.