Natural and Anthropogenic Health Hazards: A Deep Dive into Environmental Risks
2 Significant Natural Health Hazards on This Planet and Why
Volcanic Emissions
Volcanic emissions pose significant health risks due to the release of toxic gases and particulate matter. These emissions can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Geological Hazards
Geological hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, can have devastating impacts on human health and infrastructure. These events can cause injuries, fatalities, and displacement of populations.
Factors That Caused Metal Releases and Fish Kills in Finland
Agricultural drainage, the main source of heavy metals and acidic compounds, led to a decrease in water pH from 7 to 3, resulting in fish kills. The heavy metals contaminated the water, making it toxic to aquatic life.
Earth Scientist Examining Area for Hazards
Parameters and Chemistry to Analyze for Health Risk
- Threat of landslides: Assess slope stability, soil composition, and rainfall patterns.
- Soil and water contamination: Analyze for excess fluorine, arsenic, lead, and other toxic elements.
Define “You Are What You Eat”
This phrase highlights the connection between diet and health. The nutrients and substances we consume directly impact our physical well-being. For instance, magnesium (Mg) is crucial for metabolic reactions and bone health. If dietary Mg is insufficient, the body may utilize Mg stored in bones, potentially weakening them.
Concern About Radioactive Sr Uptake in Kids from Milk
Radioactive strontium (Sr) is chemically similar to calcium and can be absorbed by the body. When ingested, some Sr is deposited in bones and bone marrow, increasing the risk of bone cancer, particularly in children who are actively growing.
Assessing the Impact of Fluoride Uptake in Humans
- Fluoride deficiency: Can lead to dental cavities.
- High fluoride intake: Can cause skeletal deformities, mottled teeth, and embrittlement.
- Sufficient fluoride intake: Promotes healthy teeth.
What’s an Isotope?
Isotopes are atoms of the same element with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons. For example, oxygen-16 (O-16) is the most common oxygen isotope, while oxygen-17 (O-17) has 8 protons and 9 neutrons.
Define “Fractionation” in Terms of Isotopes
Isotopic fractionation refers to the separation of isotopes based on their mass differences. While isotopes of an element share chemical properties, their physical properties, such as density, can differ, leading to fractionation.
Example of “Isotopic Fraction” and Explanation
Centrifugation is a technique used to separate substances with different densities. Isotopes of an element have varying densities. When a mixture is centrifuged, the heavier isotopes experience a greater centrifugal force, causing them to settle at the bottom, while lighter isotopes remain at the top.
Goldschmidt’s Geochemical Classification of Elements
This classification categorizes elements based on their preferred host phases within the Earth:
- Lithophile (crustal rocks): Li, Na
- Siderophile (Earth’s core): Fe, Co
- Chalcophile (ores): Cu, Ag
- Atmophile (gases): O, N
Radial Section of Earth from Center to Surface
- Inner Core
- Outer Core
- Layer D” (thin)
- Lower Mantle
- Transition Zone (thin)
- Upper Mantle
- Crust (thin)
Location of Goldschmidt Elements in Earth’s Cross-Section
- Siderophile: Core
- Atmophile: Atmosphere
- Lithophile and Chalcophile: Crust
2 Most Common Anthropogenic Impacts on Health
Mining
Mining activities can release harmful pollutants into the air, water, and soil, leading to respiratory problems, heavy metal poisoning, and other health issues.
Power Generation
Power generation, particularly from fossil fuels, emits air pollutants that contribute to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, and climate change.
Health Issues Arising from Grinding Earth Material
Grinding earth material releases dust particles that can cause chronic coughing, respiratory diseases, and even cancer due to the presence of dangerous trace elements.
2 Health Impacts of Power Generation
- Acid Rain: Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning coal react with atmospheric water to form acid rain, harming ecosystems and human health.
- Respiratory Problems: Hazardous air pollutants from power plants can cause respiratory diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis.
Types of Power Generation and Their Health Impacts
- Fossil Fuels: Air pollution (carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, particulate matter) can cause respiratory and cardiovascular problems.
- Nuclear: Exposure to nuclear waste can increase the risk of cancer and other radiation-related illnesses.
- Hydroelectric: While generally considered cleaner, large dam projects can disrupt ecosystems and displace communities.
Define “Half-Life” and Its Importance in Assessing Health Risk
Half-life is the time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay. A shorter half-life means the substance decays faster, reducing the duration of potential exposure and health risks.
Geology as a Factor in Waste Disposal
Geological factors, such as soil type, rock formations, and groundwater flow, are crucial in waste disposal. Understanding these factors helps determine the potential for contaminants to leach into the environment and pose health risks.
Vehicles as an Anthropogenic Source of Hazardous Material
Vehicles, especially those powered by fossil fuels, emit hazardous pollutants, including carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and greenhouse gases, contributing to air pollution and health problems.
Health Effects of Compounds Used in Daily Life
Many compounds used to enhance our lives may have potential health risks. While the benefits often outweigh the risks, it’s essential to be aware of potential adverse effects and minimize exposure when possible.
Materials Involved in Nuclear Waste Disposal
- Low-Level Waste: Gloves, rags, and other materials contaminated with low levels of radioactivity.
- Medium-Level Waste: Irradiated materials that emit higher levels of radiation.
- High-Level Waste: Spent nuclear fuel bundles, which are highly radioactive.
Age of Earth and Its Basis
The Earth is estimated to be 4.6 billion years old, based on radiometric dating of zircon crystals found in Australia. These crystals contain uranium, which decays into lead at a known rate. By measuring the ratio of uranium to lead, scientists can determine the age of the zircon and, consequently, the Earth.
Evidence of Earliest Life and Dates
Fossils of microorganisms provide evidence of early life on Earth:
- Heterotrophic anaerobic cells: 3.6 billion years ago
- Photosynthetic life: 2.5 billion years ago
- Aerobic life: 2.2 billion years ago
- Eukaryotes: 1.5 billion years ago
Evolution of Photosynthesis
- 3.4 billion years ago: First photosynthetic bacteria absorbed near-infrared light and produced sulfur compounds.
- 2.4-2.3 billion years ago: First rock evidence of atmospheric oxygen.
- 2.7 billion years ago: Cyanobacteria emerged as oxygen producers, absorbing visible light using various pigments.
- 1.2 billion years ago: Red and brown algae evolved with more complex cellular structures.
- 0.75 billion years ago: Green algae thrived in shallow waters, relying on chlorophyll for photosynthesis.
Bioavailability, Bioaccessibility, Biopersistence, Biosolubility, Bioreactivity
- Bioavailability: The fraction of a substance absorbed into the bloodstream after exposure.
- Bioaccessibility: The fraction of a substance that can dissolve in body fluids and become available for absorption.
- Biopersistence: Resistance to breakdown or elimination from the body.
- Biosolubility: The extent to which a substance can dissolve in body fluids.
- Bioreactivity: The ability of a substance to interact with and potentially modify body fluids.
Natural and Anthropogenic Sources of Fluorine
- Natural sources: Rocks, coal, clay, wind-blown soil.
- Anthropogenic sources: Industrial emissions, certain pesticides.
Dietary Sources of Fluorine
Asparagus, avocados, brussels sprouts, cabbage.