risks
define risks?
the probability of suffering harm from a hazard that can cause injury, disease, death, economic loss or damage
how is mercury released into the air naturally?
from rocks, soil, volcanoes, vaporization by the ocean
What is a toxic chemical?
Chemicals that can cause temporary or permanent harm or death to humans and animals.
What are horomonally active agents?
pesticides/synthetic chemicals that can act as hormone "imposters"
What are PCBs?
Polychlorinated biphenyls which are a group of 209 different chemicals which share a common structure but vary in the number of attached chlorine atoms.
define risk assessment ?
how is mercury released by humans?
from smokestacks of coal burning power plants, coal burning facilities, and 2/3 come from human activities
What are mutagens?
Chemicals or forms of radiation that cause or increase the frequency of mutations or changes in the DNA molecules found in cells.
What is a risk from hormonally active agents?
1) Can impair reproductive system and cause physical/behavioral disorders
2) Hormone blockers can disrupt system by preventing natural hormones from attaching to receptors
3) Some HAAs act as thyroid disrupters and can cause growth or weight-control problems and brain or behavioral disorders
What are the harmful effects of PCBs?
- Irritation of nose and lungs
-Eye problems
-Severe acne and rashes
define risk management?
involves deciding whether or how to reduce a particular risk to a certain level and at what cost.
What are three ways humans are exposed to mercury?
1) Inhaled vaporized elemental mercury or particles or inorganic salts, such as mercury sulfide and mercury chloride
2) Eating fish that are contaminated with highly toxic methyl-mercury
3) Consuming high fructose corn syrup
What are carcinogens?
Chemicals, types of radiation, or certain viruses that can cause or promote cancer.
Aluminum, weed killers, DDT, PCBs, mercury, phthalates, and BPA
What system do neurotoxins harm?
Nervous System
give 2 examples of a risk for chemical hazard
chemicals ....
1) in air
2) in water
3) in soil
4) in food
5) human made products
How can we reduce threats of mercury?
-switch from coal to natural gas and renewable energy
-remove mercury from coal before it is burned
-phase out waste incineration
-labeling all products containing mercury
-collect and recycle batteries containing mercury
What are teratogens?
Chemicals that cause harm or birth defects to a fetus or an embryo.
Where can phthalates be found?
Many perfumes, cosmetics, baby powders, body lotions (for adults and babies), hair spray, deodorants, nail polishes, and shampoos (for adults and babies)
What is an example of a neurotoxin?
PCBs, arsenic, lead, and certain pesticides
give 3 examples of cultural hazard
- unsafe working conditions
-unsafe highways
-criminal assault
-poverty
What is the greatest risk from exposure to low levels of methyl-mercury?
Brain damage in fetuses and young children
What are the 3 main toxic agents?
Mutagens, Carcinogens, Teratogens
How are phthalates dangerous to humans?
Can cause birth defects, liver cancer, kidney and liver damage, premature breast development, immune system suppression, and abnormal sexual development
What are some effects of neurotoxins?
Behavioral changes, learning disabilities, retardation, attention deficit disorder, paralysis, and death.