Chapter 22: Problem 4
What are the two classes of chemicals that pose the most serious long-term toxic risk, and how do they affect food chains?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The two classes of chemicals that pose the most serious long-term toxic risk are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. Both sets of chemicals can bioaccumulate in organisms' tissues and biomagnify in higher trophic levels leading to harmful effects like cancer and nervous system disorders.