All Flashcards
How can choosing BPA-free products help protect the environment?
Reduces exposure to endocrine disruptors and decreases the demand for harmful chemicals in manufacturing.
How can proper disposal of mercury products help protect the environment?
Prevents mercury from entering the environment and contaminating water and food sources.
How can reducing consumption of canned foods help protect the environment?
Decreases exposure to BPA from can linings.
How can supporting BPA-free legislation help protect the environment?
Encourages the development and use of safer alternatives to BPA in manufacturing.
How can choosing phthalate-free products help protect the environment?
Reduces exposure to endocrine disruptors and decreases the demand for harmful chemicals in manufacturing.
How can washing hands after handling products help protect the environment?
Reduces exposure to phthalates.
How can avoiding heating food in plastic containers help protect the environment?
Reduces exposure to phthalates.
How can awareness of mercury levels in fish help protect the environment?
Enables informed choices about seafood consumption, reducing exposure to methylmercury.
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 is LD50?
The dose of a substance that kills 50% of a test population.
What is a contaminant?
A substance or organism found where it shouldn't be, causing harm to health or the environment.
Define endocrine disruptor.
A chemical that interferes with hormone systems.
What is a dose-response study?
A study that shows how an organism responds to different doses of a chemical or drug.
What is methylmercury?
A form of mercury that builds up in fish.
What are VOCs?
Volatile Organic Compounds; colorless, flammable gas.
What is a carcinogen?
A substance or agent that can cause cancer.
What is BPA?
Bisphenol A, used in production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins.
What are phthalates?
Chemicals used to soften plastics, found in cosmetics and food packaging.
What is arsenic?
Naturally occurring element in water, soil, dust, air, and food.