Chemical Substances in our Lives Assignment
The purpose of this assignment is to familiarize each student with the potential dangers of chemicals in our lives and to highlight the alternatives that are possible.
Please answer the following questions and submit to your instructor by Friday, February 26th, 2010.
1.Pesticides have been in common use throughout the past several decades around the world, especially in the Ottawa urban and rural areas. (12 marks)
a)what is the policy for the city of Ottawa in regards to the use of pesticides? What are some of the common chemicals or treatments that are commonly used in the city of Ottawa?
(you may want to look at
b)What are some of the larger health hazards of at least one of these pesticides?
c)what do municipal politicians suggest as alternatives to using pesticides as a plan for action?
d)What are some natural alternatives to using pesticides on a lawn? List 3 examples of success stories in the city of Ottawa and how each has eliminated the need for chemical pesticides.
2.Check out and report about at least 4 important new things that you have learned by visiting such a site. List at least one other website that is geared towards teens becoming educated and doing something in their local area. (5 marks)
3.What is bisphenolA? How does it cause problems in people that consume it? What alternatives to these chemicals is available – please list at least three? What action is being taken on behalf of chemical companies to fix the problem? (7 marks)
4.Research at least one of the following topics regarding chemicals that have been identified as dangerous risks around the house for people. For each topic please provide the following: (5 marks)
a)the name of the chemical and where it is commonly found in the home
b)what health problems it causes for those that are affected.
c)what alternatives are present and how each is a viable alternative
d)which groups of people are most likely to be affected – the very young, the old, pregnant women, those on medication – and why.
Radon
Formaldehyde
Mercury
Phthalates
Teflon
Asbestos
Mercury
- List at least two products that you have used in the last 3 months that have been studied today. Indicate for each what changes you would actually make in your life to do something about it. (6 marks)
TOTAL/35