The Grasshopper Effect

By: Avery, Colleen, Sasha, and Shyanne What is the Grasshopper Effect?

● Scientifically known as global distillation

● The Grasshopper Effect is when persistent organic pollutants and other chemicals are transported from one region to another through wind cycles and heat differences.

The Grasshopper Effect (cont.)

-it is more common for the chemicals to be released in warmer areas and travel to cooler areas ~ex. poles or mountain tops -process can occur multiple times due to condensation and evaporation ~pollutants released in South America can evaporate and condescend many times before becoming trapped in the cool arctic zones -when trapped chemicals accumulate in the soil, water, and air where they pollute living organisms and humans

The Grasshopper Effect (cont.)

Chemicals/Pollutants *POP Persistent organic pollutants -carbon based chemical compounds that include PCBs, pesticides, and wastes -POPs are the most common chemical to undergo global distillation, they are able to travel through the air and water far distances -are able to concentrate and bioaccumulate in organisms and humans -they can become a threat to human health and the environment even if the chemicals were not originally released in that area -mostly all POPs effect newborns through breast milk of a mother exposed to the chemicals.

DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane)

Source: Pesticides that include DDT are absorbed by the soil and bioaccumulated as it gets into plants that humans later eat. DDT also has lasting effects, still remaining in the soil for multiple years.

Effects on the human body: DDT stores itself and accumulates in fat and oil cells. It is suspected to be a common cause of breast cancer and is linked to neurological problems such as Parkinsons.

BFRs (Brominated Flame Retardants)

Sources: These are found in plastics, electronics, clothes and furniture.

Product uses: To reduce flammability of a product (usually an electronic)

Largest Place Release: North America is the largest producer.

Effects on the human body: BFRs can reduce a child's IQ, cause thyroid problems, and cause more onset of asthma and type-one diabetes.

Dioxins

Sources: Dioxins are the result of industrial processes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires. They are eventually found in soils, sediments, and food (especially dairy products and meat).

Effects on the human body: Short-term exposure can alter liver function. Long-term exposure can impair the immune system, nervous system, and reproductive functions. PFCs (Perfluorinated chemicals)

Source: Many commonly used products are coated with PFCs to be oil and water resistant. These include teflon, popcorn bags, paint, and windshield washer fluid.

Effects on the human body: PFCs bind to proteins and circulate through the bloodstream. Exposure is linked to liver enlargement, developmental delays, smaller newborn birth weight, and infertility. Case Studies

(1) In 1999, Belgium had a dangerous case of contamination when high levels of dioxins were found in their poultry and eggs. The same kinds of food (poultry, eggs, pork) were also found to be dioxin-contaminated in several other countries as well. The cause was traced to animal feed contaminated by illegally disposed PCB-based waste from an industrial oil factory.

(2) Pollution in China affects the air and environment in Japan, Korea, Mongolia and other countries in Asia. These countries have experienced effects of acid rain such as water causing blisters. The japanese government has been working diligently with China to prevent increased acid rain.

(3) Acids released from factories in Britain and other places in central Europe affect Northern countries such as Sweden by producing acid rain and contaminating beautiful rivers and lakes