All Flashcards
Why are dose-response studies important?
They help us find safe and effective levels of substances and minimize harm.
What does an S-shaped dose-response curve indicate?
Small dose increases initially yield small response increases, followed by a steep increase in response as the dose increases further.
Why is understanding the source of a contaminant important?
Understanding the source is key to mitigation and prevention strategies.
Why are children more vulnerable to lead exposure?
Lead causes central nervous system damage, and children's brains are still developing.
What is the significance of LD50 values?
LD50 values are a benchmark for toxicity and used to assess chemical hazards.
Why is heat a concern with BPA?
BPA leaching is more about temperature than the age of the container. Heat is the enemy!
Why are dose-response studies important?
They help us find safe and effective levels of substances and minimize harm.
What does LD50 measure?
It measures the toxicity of a substance.
Why is understanding the source of a contaminant important?
Understanding the source is key to mitigation.
Why is mercury in fish a concern?
Methylmercury builds up in predatory fish, posing a risk to human health upon consumption.
Why is lead exposure particularly harmful to children?
Lead can cause brain damage and developmental problems in children.
Why is heat a concern with BPA?
Heat is the enemy! BPA leaching is more about temperature than the age of the container.
What is the shape of the dose-response curve?
Typically S-shaped (sigmoidal).
What is the relationship between dose and response?
Small dose increases = small response increases initially. Steep increase in response as the dose increases further.
Why are contaminants a global concern?
Contaminants can cause harm to human health and the environment, impacting ecosystems and economies worldwide.
Why are endocrine disruptors a concern?
They interfere with hormone systems, potentially leading to reproductive, developmental, and other health problems.
What are the health impacts of arsenic exposure?
Known human carcinogen (skin, lung, bladder, kidney, liver cancer), endocrine disruptor.
What are the health impacts of mercury exposure?
Developmental issues in fetuses and children (motor, sensory, cognitive deficits).
What are the health impacts of BPA exposure?
Endocrine disruptor.
What are the health impacts of phthalate exposure?
Endocrine disruptor, reproductive and developmental problems, cancer.
What are the health impacts of lead exposure?
Carcinogen, central nervous system damage, especially harmful to children (brain damage, developmental problems), pregnant women (miscarriage, premature birth).
What are the health impacts of formaldehyde exposure?
Irritant, carcinogen.