Living in a chemically dependent society



March 7th, 2018

Living in a Chemically Dependent Society

By: Hana Abdelaal 
What Are Toxins?
Any harmful chemical or substance is considered a toxin. A toxin harms the human body and could cause lethal diseases such as cancer, Nervous System disorders, and many more. Toxins can come from many environmental sources; but also can come from within the human body, where they get created from emotions or one’s lifestyle. (Natural Choice Network, Unknown). There are several different types of toxins, for example:  
  • Neurotoxins
    • Neurotoxins are chemicals that damage the nervous system. They affect the transference of chemicals and impulses between one neuron to another.
  • Carcinogens
    • These are the chemicals that cause cancer because these substances  damage the cells in the body , which leads to uncontrolled cell growth, by disrupting the genetic material of that cell or by hindering the metabolic process of the cell.
  • Teratogens
    • They are the chemicals that causes malformation of embryos and fetuses, they affect their normal development.
  • Allergens
    • These substances cause chemical reactions, and these can cause unusual reactions from the immune system. It could also cause breathing problems or death.
  • Endocrine Disruptors
    • Endocrine disruptors interfere with the functioning of the hormones in the body.
(Friedland and Relyea, 2012)
Arsenic
What is arsenic and where does it come from?
Arsenic is one of the most fatal toxins out there. There are two types of arsenic: Organic arsenic and inorganic arsenic. Inorganic arsenic is arsenic that is combined with a non-carbon element This is the type that is considered a carcinogen. This substance can be found in many environmental sources such as rocks, soil, plants, animals, and water. Arsenic is used in numerous man-made products, and in the process of production. such as  pesticides, glass manufacturing, arsine gas, and is also used as a supplement to lead or copper. Humans are put at risk of arsenic due to runoff and dust. (American Cancer Society, 2014)

Humans get exposed to arsenic very easily since it  is found in water, food, and in the atmosphere.
  • Water
    • Naturally, in many different locations of the Earth, high levels of arsenic is found in the water that we drink all day everyday.  
    • Found mostly in groundwater resources
  • Food
    • Although food is the most immense source of arsenic, it is not that harmful because the arsenic found in food is organic
  • Atmosphere
    • Arsenic is naturally found in the atmosphere, where it comes mostly from volcanoes


Health Risks
Arsenic is a carcinogen, It causes major cell disruption which leads to cancer. People who have been exposed to a high level of arsenic are  most likely to develop lung cancer, bladder cancer, or skin cancer. In human studies done by the American Cancer society, where they look at cancer rates among many humans who are exposed to high levels of arsenic due to industrial workplaces, arsenic has proven to be a carcinogen. “These studies have followed thousands of workers for as long as 40 or 50 years. They have consistently shown an increase in lung cancer risk with higher and more prolonged exposures.” (American Cancer Society, 2014).


There are other known health problems that occur from arsenic, but which have short-term effects such as: irritated lungs, nausea, skin redness or swelling etc. No other dangerous health risks are known. (American Cancer Society, 2014)
Regulations
It is important that regulations to enforce countries to use less arsenic, are enacted. In the US, the Environmental Protection Agency regulated arsenic levels in public water to 10 micrograms per liter. Also The Occupational Safety & Health Administration restricted the use of arsenic to no more than 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air within an average of 8 hours in industrial workplaces.
How to minimize the use of toxic chemicals at home?
It is important the one is taking good care of what chemicals they are using at home. A way to decrease the use of toxic chemicals is to make sure that all products that are being bought are all 100% organic. If it is hard and not possible to get 100% organic products, then products being purchased should not include harmful chemicals. If chemicals are needed then consulting a doctor before using it would be highly recommended.


Resources:
Siegel, N. (n.d.). Arsenic: The Health Benefits. Retrieved March 07, 2018, from   http://www.ozy.com/acumen/arsenic-the-health-benefits/37180
Arsenic. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.greenfacts.org/en/arsenic/l-2/arsenic-2.htm
Arsenic and Cancer Risk. (2014, July 18). Retrieved March 7, 2018, from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/cancer-causes/arsenic.html
Environmental Health and Medicine Education. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=1&po=11
Environmental Health and Medicine Education. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/csem.asp?csem=1&po=11
What Are Toxins, Where Do Toxins Come From. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2018, from http://www.naturalchoice.net/blogs/Art11_Toxins.html

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