Carbon Monoxide
What is the chemical formula for carbon monoxide
CO
Why is lead extremely dangerous?
Exposure to small amounts can even be deadly because it is slowly excreted
Who are more at risk of experiencing adverse reactions?
Young children, the elderly
Who is more vulnerable to the health risks?
People of color
Indoors
How is lead deposited?
The bloodstream carries lead throughout the body and deposits it in tissues such as the bones and organs.
What can exposure to SO2 increase?
Exposure to SO2 can result in increased mucus in the lung alveoli, making it difficult to breathe.
What study supports the answer to the 100 question?
An EPA-funded study found that exposure to air pollution is higher for people of color regardless of region or income
What are short term effects?
- Fatigue and weakness
- Headaches and dizziness
- Mental confusion
- Chest pains
- Nausea
What are long term effects?
- Damage to the nervous system, immune system, reproductive system, developmental systems, cardiovascular system
- Kidney damage
- High blood pressure
- Reduced fertility
- Cancer
- Death
What does sulfur dioxide convert to in the atmostphere?
Sulfur dioxide also converts in the atmosphere to sulfates, a major part of fine particle pollution in the eastern U.S.
What refers to the greater likelihood of people of color to experience environmental problems such as ground pollution hazardous waste etc?
Environmental racism
How can you prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?
- Install carbon monoxide alarms or detectors
- Check heating systems and fuel-burning appliances
- Avoid using non-vented combustion appliances
- Never burn fuels indoors without proper precautions and devices
- Be attentive to possible symptoms of poisoning
How does lead affect the brains of an adult vs. a child
Adult Brains: Memory loss, lack of concentration, headaches, irritability, depression
Child Brain: Behavior problems, lower IQ, hearing loss, learning disabilities
What is the major source of sulfur dioxide?
How has systemic racism contributed to the increase in health risks for people of color?
Systemic racism has resulted in residential segregation so that many communities of color live near sources of air pollution such as power plants
CO molecules bind very tightly to hemoglobin molecules in red blood cells so that oxygen and CO2 can no longer be carried to the appropriate locations in the body
Why are infants and young children especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead?
- Their bodies are still developing, so lead can permanently damage the development of their brain, nervous system, and other organ systems.
- They have a greater risk of exposure since many pick up things and put them in their mouths
Which country emits the most sulfur dioxide?
India, Russia, and China were the top global emitters of sulfur dioxide
How can low-income lead to environmental health problems?
People with low incomes are more likely to live in polluted areas and have unsafe drinking water.