Chemicals and Human Health

Part I. HOMEWORK: Read pp. 686-687  and answer the questions below. Come to the computer lab tomorrow prepared for the assignment!

 

1)      What are the practical uses of chemicals?

 

 

2)    What are sources of air pollution?

 

 

3)     What do you think the ozone rating given on weather reports in the summer?

 

 

4)    What are some chemicals that are harmful to human health?

 

 

5)     Who do you think should be responsible for protecting people from hazardous chemicals?

 

 

6)     What are the known effects of saturated fats on human health?

 

 

 

Part II: In Class Research Project:

Background Information:

Both natural and man-made chemicals have the potential to harm humans. Toxic chemicals do occur naturally. ex. Rattlesnake poison or Radon. Manmade toxic chemicals include the pesticide, DDT that caused many birds to become extinct in the mid 1900’s. Research indicates there are many profound affects of manmade chemicals on human health.  Experts are looking at how chemicals impact the human endocrine system, which may disrupt hormonal balance in developing fetuses. Recent studies suggest traces of chemicals such as PCB may cause permanent changes in children, including lower IQ, attention deficits, and other behavioral problems.  Most scientists believe much more research is needed in this field.  Coal burning power plants are one of the single greatest sources of many adverse health and environmental concerns.  Research has been going on since the mid 1900’s on the affect of cigarette smoking on human health including second hand smoke.

 

Go to the DMS website and go to weblinks/Ms. Lancaster http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/chems-profile-descriptions.tcl .

Choose a chemical problem from the left side of the webpage—smog, lead hazards, hazardous air pollutants

OR http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/aha/aha_stop_crs.htm on the hazards of cigarette smoking

OR http://www.calpoison.org/public/mercury.html on the hazards of mercury poisoning

 

Read about the chemical and find out the following information—what is the chemical; how is/was it used; what are its hazards; how does it affect human health; what is or can be done about it?

 

Write a letter to the editor of the local newspaper.

In the letter you need to include:

  • A description of the toxic chemical and what is used for
  • What is the risk/health hazard of the chemical?
  • What you think is the best way to control the chemical so that its health effects can be minimized?
  • DUE DATE_______________________________