Discuss three of the most important factors influencing a person's vulnerability to environmental toxins
What will be an ideal response?
The effect of toxic substances on humans varies considerably, depending on the factors of genetic makeup, age, health, and socioeconomic status. Firstly, one's genetic makeup plays an important role in susceptibility to chemicals. There is a growing body of evidence showing that humans vary in the ability of their DNA to be altered by toxic chemicals, thus equal toxicant exposures can result in quite a difference in susceptibility to cancer. Age particularly influences vulnerability because the young and developing, human nervous system undergoes enormous changes during the first decade of life, making children particularly vulnerable to neurotoxins. Finally, there is a growing body of evidence showing that socioeconomic status affects vulnerability to toxicants. Not only do poor people have more limited access to health care, they are also much more likely to live in environments that increase their risk of exposure. Living in older homes with lead paint, or living closer to industrial and waste facilities, are often considered normal living conditions for lower socioeconomic groups.
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Organisms that regulate their internal body temperature are called _______. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s)
The most prominent feature on the ocean floor are the ________.
A) deep-ocean trenches. B) oceanic ridges. C) seamounts. D) lava plateaus.
Which zone of the ocean may have some fish and crustaceans that are blind or have their own light sources?
A. oligotrophic. B. continental. C. bathyal. D. euphotic. E. abyssal.
Ulrich Beck argues that the driving force behind the risk society can be characterized by which of the following statements?
a. I am hungry. b. I am angry. c. I am lonely. d. I am afraid.