SC225: Unit 3 Discussion

Unit 3: Environmental Health and Toxicology

Human health is directly impacted by the quality of the environment we live in. Polluted air, water, and soil can all have negative effects on public health.

Post 1: Initial Response

Chemical pollutants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, and industrial chemicals, can have profound effects on both human health and the environment. As students of environmental science, it is crucial to understand the pathways through which these substances enter our bodies and ecosystems, their toxicological impacts, and the measures we can take to mitigate these risks.

This week, you can choose from the following three case studies, then answer the questions provided below. You can begin your research using your textbook on the pages noted below, and supplement with outside research in the PG Library, or using other credible sources.

• Withgott, J. H., & Laposata, M. (2021). Environment: The science behind the stories, PDF ebook. Pearson Higher Ed.

Case Studies:

• Flint, Michigan lead contamination in the water supply. (p. 367). (DO THIS ONE)
• The use of industrial chemicals such as BPA and phthalates and their role as endocrine-disruptors. (pp. 359-361)
• The use of pesticides in agriculture. (pp. 251-252 and pp. 368-370)

1. Briefly describe the case study you chose and identify the pollutant of concern.
2. How does this pollutant enter human bodies and the ecosystem? Consider various pathways such as air, water, soil, and food.
3. What are some of the short-term and long-term health effects of exposure to the pollutant you chose? Provide specific examples.
4. How does this pollutant affect ecosystems?
5. What are the impacts on wildlife, nutrient cycles, air, water, etc.?
6. How concerned are you about environmental toxins?
7. Do you think that there should be more regulations to control these pollutants?
8. What steps can individuals and communities take to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals and protect environmental health?

Attached is Flint, Michigan Lead chapter