Question

Identify a chemical exposure in water. Explain what this chemical exposure is, how it affects the health of individuals, and how it can be prevented. Be descriptive and give sufficient detail.

Answer 1

Chemical exposure refers to ingestion of chemical via eating of drinking or when the penetration happens via skin. Chemicals have been largely used in the water purification ,mineralization and sanitation on a larger basis which has resulted in many harmful health hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency has developed certain lists and summarised the effects of certain chemicals in the daily used things. The common way of exposure are through air,water and soil.The factors which contribute to an illness due to exposure are the type of chemicals, amount of exposure, frequencies and the duration of exposure.

The water are generally purified with sodium chloride, potassium chloride, citric acid, chlorine dioxide,chlorine,iodine.This may be used in any forms from tablets,liquids or powders.

When an untreated water reaches people it directly harm's them.The use of chlorine or iodine in water for purification if not gets dissolved properly in the time period and reaches for consumption can endanger life because there will be direct exposure of this chemical either by touching the skin or by ingesting.

It affects the health of a person in the following way

Gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea, vomiting, stomach upsets,burning sensation or abdominal pain.

The prolonged exposure to iron can lead to nausea and vomiting, headache, stomach pain,runny nose,metallic taste,thyroid problems on long term exposure.

It can be prevented by proper usage of chemicals, allowing it to settle down and dissolve completely ,regular screening for toxic effects be for accessible to public.

Use of swim suit by the swimmers,public awareness, use of copper utensils fir drinking which has a natural purifying property.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources under US Environmental Protection Agency will keep us updated by providing status of the quality of water received by the people.