Environmental chemical threat - Essay Example

ESSAY There are a number of chemical threats in the environment that pose a health risk to the general population. In accordance measures are usually taken by organizations such as the Food and Drug Administration who caution the public on potential risks and possible solutions. Methylmercury is a chemical compound that contains mercury and is regarded as poisonous. Methylmercury is highly toxic to mammals, including people, and causes a number of adverse effects (EPA). Methylmercury can be both an acute or chronic environmental threat, it depends on the level of toxicity present during exposure. Methylmercury can be highly toxic to both human and animals. It is concerned hazardous since it can irritate or damage organs if ingested in amounts that can be considered to be dangerous for the human body. The main source of mercury is air emissions from power generation and other industrial and waste disposal activities, during its movement among the atmosphere , land, and water mercury undergoes a serious of complex chemical transformations(EPA). Thus methylmercury is an organic form that is derived from this transformation. As a result sea animals are readily in an environment conducive to ingesting or being exposed to methylmercury. It poses a grave environmental threat since it is not considered to be particularly harmful if ingested in low amounts, however several cases have begged to differ with this notion. Regardless of the ingestion amount found in food consumed that has toxic levels of methylmercury, it cannot be sufficiently be ruled out as a threat that without the needed attention could cause undue harm. Methylmercury builds up in the tissues of fish, larger and older fish tend to have the highest levels of mercury (ATSDR). One can gain exposure by eating fish or shellfish that has levels of methylmercury. This is important to note since as of the year 2005, the seafood consumption in America was 16.2 lbs. Some natural and synthetic chemicals in the environment can harm the human nervous system such as the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves (Miller 243). Methylmercury is known to have caused adverse effects that later on proved to be permanent and this is within proven actual cases. To protect the population against a threat that can be so silent for a long period of time, yet so deadly is the duty of each and every environmentalist. Mercury emissions continue to rise in the environment and this can only mean that it is a growing real threat that should be dealt with accordingly. Women and children are the most vulnerable to methylmercury effects. A recent study by the National Academy of Science concluded that the population at highest risk is the children of women who consume large amounts of fish and seafood during pregnancy, and that the risk to that population is likely to be sufficient to result in an increase in the number of children who have struggle to keep up in school and who might require remedial classes or special education (EPA).Mackerel, sharks, swordfish, and tilefish have high levels of methylmercury. Thus this is a fact that every pregnant woman should be made aware of by their attending obstetrician. Developmental effects caused due to intake of methylmercury can cause cognitive development problems that would result in inadequate development of a child's brain. Methylmercury and metallic mercury vapors are more harmful than other forms, because mercury in these forms reaches the brain (ATSDR). This undoubtedly puts pregnant women at a higher risk of harming their children, and it is possible that seafood is the reason for the increasing number of children born with cognitive development problems. Exposure to high levels of metallic, inorganic or organic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys and developing fetus (ATSDR). Thus the goal is not only to avoid these adverse effects , but to inform pregnant women of the potential risks involved if they ingest seafood. It is highly unlikely that majority of the population of pregnant women will adhere to these warnings unless informed by trusted health organizations such as the Center for Disease and Control as well as the Food and Drug Administration of America. It can also be attributed to cancer but that have affected animals and could also affect humans in the long run. Methylmercury has caused kidney tumors in male mice (ATSDR). This means that it can be of adverse effects in humans if it continues to be a chemical element that can be potentially harmful to the human body. Thus brain damage, speech problems, kidney damage and blindness are known effects of methylmercury. Thus emissions from power plants and incinerators that contain methylmercury can cause air pollution, which in turn would pose a threat to the general population. Rain as well has levels of mercury that can prove to be hazardous to humans . Recent studies estimate the annual global mercury pool (atmospheric) as high as 5000 tons while the total mercury content in the ocean is estimated at 10,800 tons (Barbalace). With this amount present in the environment, the danger and chances of exposure are increasing every day. Remedial actions that can be taken or should be taken, is a comprehensive report informing the public of the dangers of ingesting certain seafood that have high levels of methylmercury. Removing it form the environment is impossible,since there is now way that power plants can operate if they are shutdown, and the likelihood of mercury chemical formations in the ocean is a natural act that cannot be hindered. I would as a law abiding, environment friendly individual volunteer to inform the public of possible effects of ingesting food high in methylmercury. Joining an environmental group such as Greenpeace would be a start. Greenpeace is a non-profit organization created in 1971, that protest the effects of chemicals to the environment , especially to aquatic life. It is an international organization that spans 30 countries and they lead protests that are concerned not only with chemical threats , but global warming issues, deforestation among other numerous environmental threats. It is important that in addition to joining a reputable organization such as Greenpeace , to also educate family and friends, thus causing a trickle effect that would encompass a whole town and eventually the nation. Power-plants can also try to use other sources of energy instead of coal which contributes to the deterioration of the environment as a result of methylmercury emissions. States in the North East have joined forces in unprecedented legal action to require the mid-western states to reduce coal-fired power plant emissions that have increased mercury pollution throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and the New England states (Barbalace). This action was taken in 2005 and is in effect today. However many power plants still use coal as a source of energy and this is what coalitions against environmental issues are trying to eradicate. Also literature that would inform the public on the potential dangers of mercury emissions. Pamphlets can be distributed to hospitals around the nation funded by volunteers to make sure that expectant mothers are informed of the risks of ingesting food that may have methylmercury in them. Overall, a general knowledge of methylmercury as well as how it effects the environment and our health is ample in knowing the level at which the public needs to be informed, and to what extent i can contribute to the movement against environmental threats. Certain states already have existing laws regarding mercury emissions in the environment . An example is the state of Maine whose Chapter 590 law dictates an act to further reduce mercury use and emissions. The law has stipulates the standards for mercury, mercury reduction plans as well as hazardous waste information on mercury related products. Thus the threat is to an extent being dealt with in some States. However, the threat is real, unpredictable and increasing every second a power plant emits methylmercury and a product containing mercury is disposed of improperly. It is our duty as a nation to safe guard our environment, by taking some of the initiatives mentioned as well as others along the way to a better, cleaner environment. Bibliography ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry) ."ToxFAQs for Mercury."1999. 28 April 2007 Barbalace , Roberta C. "Mercury Pollution : Increase Attributed to Industrial Activities".EnvironmentalChemistry.com. 28 April 2007. 12 April 2005 Path: Environmental Issues; Mercury Pollution. EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency). "Fish Tissue Criterion for methylmercury to protect human health." January 2001. Water Quality Criteria. 30 April 2007. Miller, G. Tyler Jr. Sustaining the Earth. United States of America : Thomson Learning Incorporation, 2005. Read More