Everyday Exposure to Toxins Pollutants
by Wayne R. Ott and John W. Roberts Feb. 1998
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Source: Scientific American
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Summary: Most environmental laws in the U.S. seek to control only the release of potentially dangerous wastes into the air and water, not the amount of people. Officials who are in charged with guarding the public from toxic pollutants examine toxic that have been released to the environment. People tend to focus on the amount of toxins that are released to the environment and not focusing on how they can affect our health and the environment. A study has shown that people have been exposed to toxins pollutants in common areas that are known as "safe" or "unpolluted", like their homes and offices. As a result of ordinary consumer products, like air fresheners, cleaners, and building materials. About 4,000 chemicals have been found in tobacco smoke. Reducing cigarette smoking can help cut industrial emissions leading to reduce the chance of getting a disease cause by benzene, a chemical known to cause leukemia with continuous exposure in high concentrations. Also, we tend to use pesticides that does more harm to us than good. Fortunately, they are able to break down faster since they are exposed to sunlight and bacteria. On the other hand, if pesticides are used indoors they last for years.
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Reflection: After reading this article I didn't know that indoors could be more harmful than outside, since we use more chemicals outside than inside. But a pesticide used indoor can last YEARS! Like WHAAAATTT?!!!?! Yikes! I like having wooden floors in my home more than the times I used to have carpet. I noticed that you are less sick when you have a wooden floor, because the caroet saves a lot of bacteria and dust from over the years which is more harmful to your health.
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