Toxins in the Environment

Running Head : TOXINS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Toxins in the Environment (Name (Institution (Name of Instructor (Course Subject

TOXINS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Different kinds of hazardous substances are being released in the environment as a result of certain human activities . These substances include radioactive wastes that are the result of nuclear power plants ands the chemicals that are released from the use of various pesticides These hazardous substances cause thew pollution of the environment . More importantly , they can cause adverse effects on man 's health and thus the understanding of these toxins

is a very important aspect that we should look at

Considering future energy needs , the United States have relied on the use of nuclear power plants . For mew , this is a goods approach to sustain the energy needs of US in to continuously power our states as well as the industrial sector . However , I am not in favor of the increasing reliance of the US in nuclear power due to the hazardous effects of the radioactive wastes that are being generated by these power plants . It might lead to serious health problems to the residents that are living in the vicinity of the said power plants

Although radioactive wastes are not being generated in my college , this matter is still of primary importance in relation to the environment The most common types of radiation emissions are alpha , beta , and gamma rays . The effect of these radiations can be as mild as skin irritations up to serious health effects such as cancer . Alpha rays can damage the lungs and can cause increased risk of cancer while other forms such as gamma rays can cause acute radio poisoning or fatal conditions at high doses (Plough , 2004

For me , the US must increase its reliance in other sources of energy such as solar energy , geothermal energy and hydrothermal energy instead of the use of power plants . In this way , future energy requirements can be meet and at the same time , no health effects can be inflicted on the people

Another issue regarding toxins in the environment is the use of chemical pest control methods such as the use of pesticides . At home , I had tried to use an insecticide to control mosquitoes . Although insecticides are effective , I noticed that prolonged exposure to the smell or the vapors being emitted by these substances causes headaches and dizziness . Thus although they are effective in the control of pests such as mosquitoes they should not be abusively use . That is , pesticides should only be used when really needed and at the same time while observing proper precautions during use such as wearing gloves and protective mask

Although I only experienced headaches , I know that these chemicals can cause more serious health effects when use regularly ands at high dosages . To prevent these hazardous health effects , we should rely on other kinds of pest control methods which are considered safer . One of the solutions to the hazardous effects of chemical pest control methods is the...