Environmental Science

1. Review the key Questions and Concepts for the chapter on page 5. Define environment, Define and distinguish among environmental science, ecology and

environmentalism. Define and distinguish between an organism and species. What is an ecosystem? What are the three principles that nature has used to sustain itself

for at least 3.5 billion years?

2. Define natural capital, natural resources and natural services. Define nutrient cycling and explain why it is important. Describes how we can degrade natural

capital. and how finding solutions to environmental problems involves making trade-offs. Explain why individuals matter in dealing with environmental problems we face.

3. What is resource? Distinguish between a perpetual resource and renewable resource and gi8ve and example of each. What is sustainable yield? Define and give two

example of a nonrenewable resource. Distinguish between recycling and reuse and give an example of each. Distinguish between economic growth and economic development.

Define and distinguish between gross domestic product (GDP) and per capital GDP. Distinguish between more ? developed countries and less ? developed countries and give

example of high- income, a middle- income and a low ?income country.

You are exposed to environmental toxins every day. Toxic chemicals are in the foods you eat, the water you drink, the air you breathe and some are absorbed through your skin. Toxic chemicals have been linked to asthma, cancer, autism, allergies, birth defects, genetic mutations and a myriad of other health issues.  The FDA has banned BPA (bisphenol A) from baby bottles, cups and water bottles but it is still is found in other places like canned goods and thermal receipts.

For this discussion you are to do the following:

Research any one of the toxic compounds (ex. phthalates, antibiotics, asbestos, chlorinated hydrocarbons, PCB, VOC, lead, chromium, carbon monoxide,  flame retardants, DDT, PBA, PBDE, PFOS, mercury, silicon dioxide, perchlorate, atrazine). Do not choose a chemical that has been previously posted by one of your classmates.

Share with the class the following information about this chemical:

How can you come in contact with this chemical meaning where is this chemical found (ex. Pesticides, flame retardant, clothes, paints, etc.)?
What are the health effects of this chemical?
Are there safe alternatives to this chemical?
Can this chemical be purged from the body? If so how long does it take.
Does it degrade or is it persistent?