Environmental Issues

What are the two categories EPA groups particle pollution in?

- Inhalable course particles: such as those found near roadways and dusty industries. - larger than 2.5 micrometers and smaller than 10 micrometers in diameter. - fine particles: such as those found in smoke and haze. These are 2.5 Mm in diameter and smaller. These particles can directly be emitted from sources such as forest fires, or they can form when gases emitted from power plants, industries and automobiles react in the air.

Advisories of mercury: Eat fish, but choose wisely

- Three species of ducks from the great salt lake - tuna, swordfish, tilefish, king mackerel FDA recommends limiting consumption of tuna to no more than one meal of albacore or two meals of light tuna per week - many health benefits of fish consumption

What are four factors that lead NTP to evaluate BPA?

- high production volume chemical - vast majority of people in US are exposed to BPA - large amount of scientific literature reporting reproductive and developmental toxicity - high level of public concern about public health effects

What are *pollutants* that cause poor *air quality*?

Air criteria pollutants include: - lead - sulfur dioxide - nitrogen dioxide - carbon monoxide *- particulate matter - ozone *

What is a current concern with drinking water?

Arsenic is a current concern with drinking water. public drinking water is very regulated. utah public drinking water is safe Some areas have high levels of arsenic in private wells (delta) reported annually

What is BPA?

BPA: bisphenol-A National toxicity program (NTP) is a program within the national institute of environmental health sciences (NIEHS) evaluated the potential for exposure to BPA to cause adverse reproduction or developmental effects in people.

What emerging chemicals are of concern in drinking water?

Bisphenol-A phthalates perfluorocarbons brominated flame retardants nanoparticles personal care products pharmaceutical wastes etc. Chemicals are being released into the environment through household wastewater, and can be detected in water, sediment, soil, and biota.

What health effects do course particulates cause?

Course particulates (>2.5 and <10) are primarily irritants and can aggravate pre-existing lung conditions.

What type of mercury is a vapor hazard?

Elemental (metallic) Mercury is a vapor hazard

Environmental issues include what?

Environmental issues include: - Air quality - water quality - environmental response and remediation - solid and hazardous waste - drinking water - radiation control

What type of mercury is used in vaccines?

Ethyl mercury (thimerosal) is a vaccine "preservative"

What is ground level ozone? What is the main source?

Ground level ozone forms from the combination of hydrocarbons, bright sunlight, and high temperatures. Cars are the source of more than half of the ozone (precursors) in Utah.

What are the health effects caused by ozone?

Health effects caused by ozone include: airway irritation, coughing and pain when taking a deep breath; Wheezing and breathing difficulties; Inflammation; Aggravation of asthma and increased susceptibility to respiratory illnesses; Permanent lung damage from scarring with repeated exposures The EPA estimates that lung function in healthy adults can be reduced by 15-20% from exposure to low levels of ozone The elderly and anyone with a preexisting lung condition such as asthma are more sensitive

What type of mercury is in fish?

Methyl Mercury

What is ozone?

Ozone is O3. Ozone is beneficial in the stratosphere for protection from UV radiation. Ozone is a reactive molecule: air cleaners, biocide (hot tubs, disinfect drinking water)

*What is particulate matter?*

Particulate matter is a complex mixture of extremely small particles and liquid droplets. particle pollution is made of a number of components, including acids (such as nitrates and sulfates,) organic chemicals, metals, and soil or dust particles. The size of the particles is directly linked to their potential for causing health problems. EPA is concerned about particles that are 10 micrometers in diameter or smaller because those are the particles that generally pass through the throat and nose and enter the lungs. once inhaled, these can affect the heart and lungs and cause serious health effects.

*What are particulates?*

Particulates - cause problems with meeting the standards. The standards are more stringent when it comes to particulates. The standards changed.

What is radon?

Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer Radon gas is invisible, odorless, and tasteless Basement living spaces are especially susceptible The testing and mitigation is straightforward

What health effects do fine particulates cause?

Short *and* long term exposures to fine particulates (<2.5) can result in serious health effects including premature death. Increased risk for people with asthma, COPD, CHF, or ischemic heart disease

What are the health effects caused by mercury?

neurological system of developing fetus is very sensitive. Subtle effects: mean reduction in IQ scores, cognitive and motor skills, developmental tests