Lead and Mercury Contamination Issues

The video discusses water pollution, focusing on toxic heavy metals like arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and mercury. It explains the health risks associated with these metals, particularly their carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects. Mercury's environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in food webs are highlighted, with historical context from Minamata, Japan. Lead contamination in infrastructure, exemplified by the Flint, Michigan crisis, is also covered, emphasizing the importance of mitigation strategies.

Which of the following metals is known to be a carcinogen?

• Arsenic

• Iron

• Mercury

• Lead

What is the primary source of mercury emissions into the atmosphere?

• Agricultural runoff

• Coal combustion

• Plastic production

• Automobile exhaust

What process converts inorganic mercury to organic methyl mercury?

• Oxidation

• Methylation

• Sublimation

• Hydrolysis

Why are pregnant women advised against consuming large predatory fish?

• They contain high levels of mercury

• They are high in cholesterol

• They contain high levels of sodium

• They are difficult to digest

What was the main cause of Minamata disease?

• Bacterial contamination

• Viral infection

• Mercury poisoning

• Lead exposure

Which company was responsible for the mercury pollution in Minamata, Japan?

• Toyota

• Chisso Corporation

• Mitsubishi

• Sony

What infrastructure component is a common source of lead contamination?

• Steel beams

• Lead-based pipes

• Copper wires

• Plastic pipes

What chemical can be used to prevent lead from leaching into water from pipes?

• Fluoride

• Bromine

• Chlorine

• Ortho phosphate

What was the primary reason for the Flint water crisis?

• Natural disaster

• Agricultural runoff

• Change in water source

• Industrial pollution

What health issues are associated with lead exposure in children?

• Digestive disorders

• Cardiovascular issues

• Neurological problems

• Respiratory problems