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Overview
Overview
In this activity you will be introduced to a variety of pollutants and environmental contaminants that can affect human health. You will also review the three main ways that environmental contaminants can enter the body: ingestion, absorption, and inhalation. Finally, you will research a local environmental contaminant that poses a risk to human health and research the risks posed by heavy metals.
CONTENT:
CONTENT:
COMMON POLLUTANTS
In today's world there are very few places, if any, that are not affected by human activities. Even in the high arctic, winds and water currents carry environmental contaminants, such as heavy metals and industrial chemicals, from the south.
Many of these environmental contaminants are not only a threat to wildlife and the natural environment, but to the health of people living in the area.
There are many different substances that are released into the environment and may pose a threat to human health.
Heavy Metals
Living things require varying amounts of some heavy metals, such as iron and zinc. Too much of these metals can be toxic to living things. Other heavy metals such as mercury and lead are not required by living things, and their accumulation over time can cause serious illness.
The most common source of heavy metal pollution is from the smelting of ores when purifying other metals. Heavy metals do not break down in the environment and can pose health and environmental risks for years.
Pesticides
The chemicals used by farmers, and on our lawns to kill weeds, insects and other pests, can pose serious environmental and health concerns if used incorrectly. Spraying pesticides on windy days, or just before it rains, or near streams and ponds, increases the chance that these chemicals will contaminate nearby water supplies putting people at risk.
Workplace Chemicals
Many potentially toxic chemicals are used and produced in various workplaces. If they are not handled or disposed of properly, they can pose a risk to the environment and human health.
Some chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are highly toxic, have been banned from use because the risk to human health and the environment was too great. Many other potentially hazardous chemicals are still in daily use in the workplace. It is important to follow instructions on the MSDS for safe handling and disposal of any hazardous material.
CLASSWORK :
CLASSWORK :
Work to be completed in Google Classroom
HEAVY METAL
In this activity you will research one of the following six heavy metals:
arsenic
beryllium
cadmium
chromium
lead
mercury
Then write your response to the following questions.
Name the heavy metal you chose and describe its physical characteristics.
What is the major source that this heavy metal comes from?
Explain how this metal can enter the body.
Describe any short-term or long-term health effects of poisoning by this metal.
What can people do to minimize their exposure to this metal and reduce the risk of negative health effects?
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