Abstract This paper looks at whether or not mercurypoisoning causes malformations in young children. There is some evidence for brain damage in fetuses from mercury which crosses the placenta and the blood-brain barrier, but there is no conclusive evidence on malformations caused by mercurypoisoning. Mercury is a neurotoxin, so most of its affects are within the nervous system.
Abstract This paper examines lead and its many uses. It gives an historical overview of leaded products, such as leaded gasoline and leaded paint and how they were used. It details Detroit specifically and how it has already begun fighting its lead problem. It concludes that the elimination of leadpoisoning everywhere, and in Detroit specifically, will result in more educated people, less crime and therefore a better city of Detroit.
From the Paper "One of the most pressing problems in American cities is the danger of lead levels in its suburbs. Excess exposure and contact with lead can result in lead poisoning. Throughout the 1900s, Detroit, in particular, used enormous amounts of leaded gasoline in automobiles and lead-based paint in Detroit housing. Unfortunately for Detroit citizens, lead is a poisonous substance that does not break down over time. Lead poisoning results in an array of physical and psychological defects, but poisoning can be prevented if the lead hazard is detected and if appropriate measures are taken to remove or contain the hazard. Detroit must take action to eliminate its lead poisoning problem."
Abstract This paper discusses the chemical properties and uses of mercury. It particularly discusses the medical uses of mercury and then goes on to describe the concerns of using mercury for medicinal purposes. The paper discusses the fact that government regulatory agencies are being pressured into loosening mercury pollution controls, despite the fact that history and science have shown the risks of mercurypoisoning. The paper concludes by discussing the possible link between mercury in childhood vaccinations and the development of autism.
From the Paper "Thimerosal, or thiomersal, is an organic compound containing mercury, that is used as an antiseptic and antifungal treatment Originally trademarked under the name Merthiolate in 1929, it has been "used as a preservative in vaccines, immune globulin preparations, skin test antigens, antivenoms, ophthalmic and nasal products, and tattoo inks." (Wikipedia 2006c) Most childhood vaccinations not longer contain thimerosal, and are instead stored in single-dose vials that do not need the same preservatives added. It was first used as a bactericide in vaccines in the early 1930s, and by the mid 1980s it was used in the vast majority of vaccines. In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics requested the removal of thimerosal from all pediatric vaccines. Today, thimerosal is still used in a few United States vaccinations, and "The World Health Organization, with US funding, is providing thimerosal-containing vaccines (TCVs) for children in developing countries with the same amounts of thimerosal, as were given American children at their peak exposure levels." (Wikipedia 2006c)"
Abstract This paper examines various sources of mercury pollution and debates options for addressing the problem. The paper further discusses the various ways that mercury pollution takes place and the role the government should take to combat the dangers of mercury pollution.
From the Paper "Mercury has been found to be one of the most toxic substances in our environment today and yet little has been done to stop its contamination of our air and water. Some sources advocate retiring mercury i.e. making it illegal to sell mercury. Since pollution of our air and water contaminates our food supply as well, it is also argued that we need to stop selling fish captured from the open sea and sell only fish that have been cultured in..."
Abstract This paper reviews the history of leadpoisoning and its various implications in adults and children. It describes the incidence of the problem today and follows with a discussion of the epidemiology of leadpoisoning and the pathophysiological and biochemical basis of leadpoisoning in children and adults. The paper then provides recommendations for preventing leadpoisoning in the United States and abroad.
Outline:
Introduction
Review and Discussion
History of LeadPoisoning Incidence of the Problem
Epidemiology of LeadPoisoning Pathophysiological and Biochemical Basis of LeadPoisoning in Children and Adults
Recommendations to Eliminate LeadPoisoning as a Public Health Hazard
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "Lead has been used by mankind for centuries, but the dangers associated with its use have only been identified fairly recently. The research showed that in spite of some progress in recent years, lead poisoning represents one of the leading preventable public health threats for young people in the United States and abroad today. The research showed that there are no safe levels of lead exposure for children, and lead levels as low as 10 [micro]g/dL have been shown to affect child development. A host of other health issues are implicated in lead poisoning as well, but most people tend to recover completely if appropriate treatments are provided in a timely manner. Finally, the research was consistent in emphasizing the inherent problems in addressing the problem of lead poisoning among low-income families where the exigencies of daily life preclude concern over this potential threat. Clearly, lead poisoning represents a challenging and ongoing threat to the nation's welfare, and public health officials continue to pursue increasingly aggressive campaigns to address the issue, but the studies to date suggest that these initiatives will remain ineffective unless and until the economic disparities that exist between the world's affluent and poor are addressed first."
Abstract This paper reviews Anastasia M Shkilnyk's, "A Poison Stronger Than Love: The Destruction of an Ojibwa Community". The book documents the devastation by mercurypoisoning and alcoholism of the Ojibwa community of Grassy Narrows in northwestern Ontario.
Abstract The United States Department of Health and Human Services (1991) reports that childhood leadpoisoning is one of the most common pediatric problems in the United States. The result of industrialization, the report notes that lead is ubiquitous in the American human environment and children are particularly susceptible to its effects. This paper proposes a research study to examine parental knowledge of childhood leadpoisoning as well as related knowledge and perceptions in a sample of Michigan parents living in a large urban area of the state. The paper begins by presenting a review of the pertinent literature. It continues with a brief description of the problem of childhood leadpoisoning, including its sources and common treatment options. This is followed by a review of the few studies that have been conducted to explore for parental knowledge of the condition. The paper then explains the research design for the proposed study, including methodology, instrumentation and statistical analysis plan.
From the Paper "Interested in recommendations for screening for lead poisoning, Goldman et al. (1998) attempted to determine the screening practices of a state-wide, representative sample of New Jersey physicians (N = 333) to examine whether practices were consistent with key CDC recommendations. Approximately 60 percent of the sample engaged in practices that were not in accord with CDC recommendations. Only 42 percent of the interviewed pediatricians and 24 percent of family practitioners said they screened the majority of the children in their practice by age 2 years. About 60 percent of all respondents reported not providing lead exposure education to half their patients."
Abstract This paper describes leadpoisoning, focusing on the chemical processes that take place as lead (II) displaces zinc (II) from ALAD and inhibits hemoglobin synthesis. The technical details of the inorganic and biochemical processes at play are explored and discussed, as well as the mechanisms of various leadpoisoning therapeutic strategies. This paper also contains several referenced illustrations and figures.
From the Paper "The protein ALAD, also know as porphobilinogen, is crucial in heme biosynthesis (2). ALAD, a ZnII metalloenzyme, consists of A and B subunits each of which contain a zinc atom when functional. The functionality of the A and B sites has been determined experimentally by displacement of zinc. When magnesium displaces zinc at the A site ALAD is marginally active. Furthermore, when magnesium replaces the zinc in the B site no change in the activity of the enzyme is observed (3). Thus the A site is key to the activity of the enzyme. However, when PbII displaces the active ZnII ion present in the A- site, the enzyme is rendered useless."
Abstract This paper focuses on the damage caused to young children by lead contamination. The paper looks at where and how lead contamination most commonly occurs, which groups are the most vulnerable, and the physiological damage caused by leadpoisoning. The paper also outlines what can be done, and, in particular, what parents can do to prevent lead contamination, and the actions government must take to help protect children from leadpoisoning.
From the Paper "Lead is a serious environmental contaminant that puts our most vulnerable citizens -- small children -- at risk. Fortunately it is preventable if parents are diligent about managing potential risks. Lead contamination can also occur in workplaces, but children experience more damage from lead ingestion than adults do. At work led may be in the air or dust. Children sometimes eat paint chips from lead-based paint because the lead makes them taste sweet. They can also breathe dust or get it on their hands and then into their mouths if the soil is contaminated. Lead poisoning can damage the kidneys, the nervous system and even reproductive systems (ATSDR). The EPA, in charge of cleaning up environmentally contaminated sites, reports that over 1,000 of their approximately 1,500 targeted sites have lead as one of the contaminants (ATSDR). In children, some effects of lead poisoning may be permanent, making it vitally important that they be protected."
Abstract In the form of a speech, this paper details the problems of smog, acid rain, and depletion of the ozone layer. The paper details major technology and regulations that have greatly reduced some of the pollution including, catalytic converters, alternative fuels, electrostatic precipitation, bag filtration, the Clean Air Act, fluidized bed combustion, and HCFCs. Discusses water problems, including lead and methyl mercury, and legislation like the Clean Water Act.
From the Paper "Dear Congresswomen and Congressmen, Our environment is a pressing issue in our society today. Due to societies' demand on governmental organizations to improve the condition of our environment, I am submitting to you today a 25-year program that will be effective in reducing pollution in the air and water. I urge you to look into the issues presented and make an informed decision that will help to improve the quality of our environment."
Abstract The paper gives an overview of toxicological issues and their effects on health aspects. The paper explains why smokers have a greater risk for manifestation of asbestosis than do non-smokers, the scientific content breakdown of aspirin poisoning, the clear link between a low protein diet and increasing blood levels of cadmium and lead and, lastly, the dangers of alcohol. It explains how the human body is a very delicate piece of machinery with very fine balancing mechanisms and the effects that the toxicological issues mentioned have on it.
From the Paper "Aspirin poisoning creates acid base abnormalities in the body and hence monitoring the blood and urinary Ph values are vital during the treatment. It is well known that blood is a well-buffered fluid system in the body and its normal Ph is 7.41. [DEHL] Since aspirin is quickly hydrolyzed into salicylic acid in the blood plasma there is an observed increase in acidity in the plasma. Increasing plasma salicylate levels leads to metabolic acidosis, which is compensated for by respiratory alkalosis resulting in fast deep breathing. The kidney, as an important homeostatic organ of the body, tries to compensate by absorbing h+ ions or HCo3 ions. An increase in urine ph in effect implies that there is an increase in acidity of blood, which the kidney tries to set right. Sometimes, alkaline diuresis maybe necessary to bring down the urinary and blood acidity levels and to facilitate the kidney in increasing the absorption and urinary elimination of salicylates. [eMedicine] Thus, in effect the blood and urinary Ph are vital statistics in the treatment of aspirin poisoning."
Abstract Discusses the serious problem of mercury pollution. Dangers to children and the developing fetus. Industrial air pollution as the major source of mercury pollution. Power plants and automobiles as other sources. Growing problem of mercury polluted waters on fish and humans who eat fish. Lack of effective treatment. Control measures.
From the Paper "Summary
Mercury toxicity is a serious problem since mercury does not degrade in the environment and so once it is there as a contaminant, it is difficult to remove. It is highly toxic, particularly to children and the developing fetus, where it interferes with development, particularly the maturation process of the brain. Whatever form mercury is in - elemental, inorganic, or organic - it is toxic, and there is no truly effective treatment once it gets into the human body. Chelation therapy may help, but there are doubts as to its effectiveness or its ability to reduce the toxic effects which may have already occurred.
Most mercury pollution comes from industrial air pollution, although more and more water is becoming polluted from industrial ..."
Abstract This paper explains that mercury preparations and compounds are a vitally important component of U.S. production in a wide range of industries, but its use carries with it some known health and environmental risks. The author points out that the coal, agricultural and healthcare industries, which use mercury compounds, are most likely in favor of the legislation because of a lack of a suitable alternative. The paper recommends that the U.S. Senate support the proposed legislation because it represents a viable approach to moderating the impact of mercury emissions across the board, provides those industries that are not currently able to achieve EPA standards with the opportunity to improve and is cost advantageous.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Background and Overview
Coverage in the National and Local Media
Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "How is this proposal likely to play out in the press? Clearly, this is an emotionally charged issue that is fraught with opportunities for misunderstanding among the public, and these misperceptions about the safety record and importance of mercury in many industrial applications may be overlooked. There is, in fact, valid reason for concern. According to Stadler and Murray, during a 12-month period beginning in 2000, several major developments in mercury-related industries emphasized the need for oversight in order to eliminate mercury pollution and exposure in the United States."
Abstract The paper discusses current government advisories that suggest limiting the consumption of certain fish because of high levels of mercury. The paper also discusses, however, how shellfish and seafood are an important part of a healthy diet. The paper addresses the risks that shellfish and seafood pose to the average US citizen and reveals that there is conflicting and biased evidence as to the actual risk involved. The paper concludes, therefore, that fears over fish consumption are exaggerated, but one should still follow government advisories regarding fish consumption.
Outline:
Abstract
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Literature Review
Chapter 3: Conclusions and Recommendations
From the Paper "Since the 1800s people have been aware that fish contain high levels of mercury (Ferguson, 2005). The harmful effects of high levels of mercury in the human body have been known for many years as well. Recently, there has been a rash of media hype about the dangers of mercury to the developing fetus and to small children. This has led to suggestions that the public avoid consumption of certain shellfish and seafood above certain levels. However, this denies the known health benefits of fish, including the important Omega-3 fatty acids and their heart protective properties."
Abstract In Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet, there is a theme of illness and corruption that runs through the dialogues, as if the fateful murder of Hamlet's father has poisoned the very soil of Denmark. This essay explores the themes and metaphors of poison in this play and through the various ways Shakespeare relies on ideas of poison to conjure an imaginative relation with the infections of evil, spreading into the roots of minds and hearts alike.
