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Environmental Oxymorons
Toxic Mechanisms of Five Heavy Metals: Mercury, Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, and Arsenic. The industrial activities of the last century have caused massive increases in human exposure to heavy metals. Mercury, lead, chromium, cadmium, and arsenic have been the most common heavy metals that induced human poisonings. Can you explain the meaning of “safe” and “unsafe” for levels of any five of the toxic metals you studied this week? Explain why some metals, called essential metals with potential for toxicity, can be present and safe in trace amounts while other essential metals with potential for toxicity cannot be safe even at low concentrations. In your journal, also reflect on the following questions:
Are there any metals that would never be safe at any detectable levels? Why is this the case for these metals? Give examples of cases in which the federal government has lowered standards for exposure to toxic metals in drinking water as epidemiologic knowledge regarding their adverse has accumulated. Given the lead poisoning that occurred in Flint, Michigan between 2014 - 2019, elaborate on why lead contamination remains a concern for environmental health experts. Hypothesize why racial and ethnic minorities continue to be impacted by toxic metal exposures at higher levels than whites.
Full Answer Section
Metals that are Never Safe at Detectable Levels
Certain metals, such as mercury, are considered to be hazardous at any detectable level. This is because mercury can damage the nervous system, even at very low concentrations. Exposure to mercury can lead to a range of health problems, including impaired cognitive function, tremors, and developmental delays in children.
Federal Government's Lowering of Exposure Standards
As scientific understanding of the adverse effects of toxic metals has improved, the federal government has lowered exposure standards for some metals in drinking water. For example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lowered the maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead in drinking water from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 15 ppb in 2016. This decision was based on evidence that lead exposure at low levels can lead to developmental problems in children.
Lead Contamination in Flint, Michigan
The lead contamination crisis in Flint, Michigan, highlighted the ongoing concerns about lead exposure and its disproportionate impact on communities of color. From 2014 to 2019, residents of Flint were exposed to high levels of lead in their drinking water after the city switched its water source to the Flint River without proper treatment. This led to a widespread public health crisis, with children being particularly affected.
Racial and Ethnic Minorities and Toxic Metal Exposures
Racial and ethnic minorities are often disproportionately impacted by toxic metal exposures due to a number of factors, including:
Environmental injustice: Communities of color are often located near industrial sites or other sources of pollution, increasing their exposure to toxic metals.
Lack of access to clean water and safe housing: Communities of color may have limited access to clean drinking water and safe housing, which can increase their exposure to toxic metals.
Occupational exposure: People of color are more likely to work in industries with high levels of toxic metal exposure, such as mining, construction, and manufacturing.
Conclusion
The issue of toxic metal exposure is a complex one, with far-reaching implications for public health and environmental justice. As we continue to learn more about the adverse effects of toxic metals, it is crucial to implement stricter regulations, protect vulnerable communities, and promote environmental protection measures to minimize exposure and safeguard public health.
Sample Answer
Safe and Unsafe Levels of Toxic Metals
The concepts of "safe" and "unsafe" for levels of toxic metals are complex and depend on various factors, including the specific metal, individual characteristics, and exposure pathways. In general, safe levels are those that do not cause adverse health effects, while unsafe levels are those that can lead to toxic effects.
Essential Metals with Potential for Toxicity
Some metals, such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and lead, are essential for human health in trace amounts but can be toxic at higher concentrations. This is because these metals play important roles in biological processes, but excessive intake can disrupt these processes and lead to adverse effects.