Cene 150 HW 8 Toxics In Your Neighborhood Assigned On Mar 25

Cene 150 Hw 8toxics In Your Neighborhoodassigned On Mar 25 2015due

CENE 150 HW- 8 Toxics in Your Neighborhood Assigned on: Mar 25, 2015 Due on: Apr 1, 2015 (No fooling () Purpose: Research and analyze local environmental radioisotopes and toxicology risks, determine their sources, determine environmental and potential health impacts, then examine potential solutions and find out about personal protection. Directions: Complete this word document as you find information as directed, then save it as LastName_FirstName_CENESection#_HW8.pdf, and upload it to the Bb shell for Homework 8 tab. Go to the website: 1: Type in your zip code 2: Under the “toxics” category - click on the link, “See how your county stacks up”. List the 6 categories and relative percentile ranking for Coconino County.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Did the results surprise you at all, why or why not? 3: Click on the “other chemical release and waste management attributes” link. List the categories for which Coconino is in the Dirtiest/Worst counties in the United States (80-100%). How do you account for these levels being so high? 3: List the categories for which Coconino County scores less than 40% in terms of environmental pollutants. Why do you think the levels of these pollutants are so much better here in Coconino County? Explain. 4: Click the back button on your browser to get back to the pollution report card for your zip code. Click on the link “the top polluters” in your county. List the top 3 polluters in Coconino County. What do you know about these companies? What do they manufacture? 1. 2. 3. 5: Go back to the report card page and click on the “top chemicals released” link, and list the top 10 chemicals released in Coconino County. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 6: REVIEW THE COMMON HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS ITEMS LIST ON BB and Indicate How many of these do you have in your house/room? 7: Click on the hazardous materials pollution prevention link: Click on Safer alternatives on the left; In your opinion, what three pieces of prevention advice are the best/most relevant? Why? 8: Go to Then FAQ How and where should sharps be disposed of? What are some dangers sharps present? 9: Go to . Look around the page and do a little research on electronics and battery hazardous waste . What are some of the problems with these types of waste? What are the recycling/disposal options? 10: Go to the EPA’s website for Radiation- source reduction management web site: From the list, choose 3 radioisotopes with facts sheet to do further research: For each radioisotope chosen, answer following: 1) What is it used for? 2) How do people come in contact with it? 3) How can it affect people’s health? 4) What is the medical test to determine exposure to this radioisotope? 5) How can we protect ourselves from it? Conclusion: Write a paragraph about your reaction to the information you found out for this assignment. Were you surprised? What bothers you most? What are some potential solutions?

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment involves comprehensive research into environmental toxins, particularly focusing on Coconino County. The task begins with querying online environmental data portals to understand how Coconino County ranks in various toxic categories and waste management metrics. Listing six categories and their percentile rankings provides a snapshot of the county’s environmental health status. It is often surprising to find that certain pollutants or waste levels are higher than expected, especially considering Coconino’s reputation for natural beauty and lower industrial activity. This contrast highlights the complex nature of environmental hazards that can exist even in less industrialized regions.

Further, analyzing the “other chemical release and waste management attributes” helps identify specific chemical categories where Coconino County ranks as the worst in the nation (80-100%). The high levels might be attributed to regional industries, natural mineral deposits, or transportation routes that facilitate chemical dispersion. Conversely, categories where Coconino scores below 40% reflect areas with effective environmental controls or lower industrial activity, possibly due to strict local regulations or geographic factors like elevation and remoteness.

The next step involves identifying the top polluters within Coconino County. Research into these companies reveals their manufacturing processes, environmental impacts, and compliance history. Understanding their operations—whether they are utilities, manufacturing plants, or waste disposal facilities—offers insights into the localized sources of pollution.

Additionally, listing the top 10 chemicals released in the county provides essential information about the most prevalent environmental hazards. Common pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, or heavy metals may appear, each with specific health effects. Recognizing household hazardous items also raises awareness of everyday exposure risks, motivating personal safety measures.

Preventative strategies to reduce exposure include safer chemical alternatives and proper waste disposal practices. For example, the safe disposal of sharps and electronic waste prevents environmental contamination and personal injury. The hazards presented by electronic and battery waste emphasize the importance of recycling programs and proper hazardous waste disposal—improper handling can lead to soil, water, and air contamination, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Further, researching radioisotopes through the EPA’s source reduction management website involves choosing three isotopes—such as Cesium-137, Iodine-131, and Cobalt-60. For each, understanding their uses in medicine, industry, or research, and pathways of human exposure, illuminates the health risks involved. Medical tests like scans or blood tests can determine exposure levels, and protective measures include shielding, controlled handling, and proper disposal.

The final reflection reveals personal reactions to discovering the extent of environmental hazards. Many findings may evoke concern regarding pollution sources and protection. Despite regulations, hazards persist, underscoring the importance of community awareness, policy enforcement, and individual responsibility to mitigate risks and promote a safer environment.

References

  • Environmental Protection Agency. (2020). Chemical Data Access Tool. https://ofmpub.epa.gov/ctrsxtp/ChemicalSearch
  • Environmental Defense Fund. (2018). State of the Environment: Chemical Pollutants. https://www.edf.org/environment/chemical-pollutants
  • United States Geological Survey. (2019). Mineral Resources of Arizona. https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2019/3065/fs20193065.pdf
  • Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2021). Toxicology Profiles. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/index.asp
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. (2020). NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/default.html
  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2019). Electronic Waste Management. https://www.epa.gov/international-cooperation/e-waste
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Radiation Exposure and Effects. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/default.html
  • Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. (2021). Annual Environmental Monitoring Report. https://azdeq.gov/annualreport
  • World Health Organization. (2017). Health Risks from Electronic Waste. https://www.who.int/e-waste/en/
  • Department of Energy. (2018). Radioisotopes in Industry and Medicine. https://www.energy.gov/health-safety/radioisotopes

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