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WorksheetsPlastics and Human Health
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 5hrs 32mins
We need plastics, just not plastic waste. There are many benefits to plastics. They are durable and provide protection from contaminants and elements- including pests, microbes, and humidity. Additionally, plastic reduces food waste by preserving food and increasing its shelf life. Food waste contributes to climate change, water and energy consumption, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. So, plastic packaging helps to decrease those effects. Lastly, economically speaking, it can be made thin and lightweight, which helps to lower emissions and allows us to save time transporting extra mass and volume. This saves both money and energy. Type an "A" to move on.
(a)
What are some reasons plastic is beneficially to humans? Select all that apply.
reduces food waste and increases shelf life
easily transportable
durable and provides protection from contaminants
helps contribute to biodiversity loss
Which of the following does food waste contribute to? Select all that apply.
climate change
inflation
deforestation
biodiversity growth
Plastic products contain chemical additives. Many of these chemicals have been associated with health conditions, including: hormone-related cancers, infertility, and neurodevelopmental disorders (ADHD and autism). Chemicals are added into plastics to give them all the benefits previously mentioned (durability, malleability, and plasticity). However, a majority of these chemicals have been proven to be hazardous for human health and disruptive of our hormone-system. EDC and BPA are well known hormone disrupting chemicals found in many plastics we use on a day to day basis.Younger children and fetuses are especially at risk for this side-effect because their hormone-system plays a crucial part in their development. This is just one of the health risks of human plastic use. Type "A" when you're done.
(a)
What are 2 well-known hormone-disruptive chemicals found in most plastics?
BPA and CDC
EDC and BPA
PVA and EDC
EDC and APB
Who is especially at risk because of the hormone-disruptive chemicals found in most plastics?
children and elderly
adults and children
elderly and adults
children and fetuses
Microplastics are plastic particles that are very, very small- roughly 5 millimetres or smaller in size. We ingest microplastics in our everyday lives. They can be released from our couches, carpets, curtains, and any other synthetic textiles. Microplastics have also been found in consumer products such as seafood, honey, beer, water, salt, and even our fruits and vegetables. Type "A" when done.
(a)
What size are micro plastics?
5 cm or larger
1 mm or smaller
5 mm or smaller
10 cm or larger
Based upon the paragraph, where are micro plastics found? Select all that apply.
food
couches
wooden pencils
carpets
Ordinary consumer products are the main source of microplastics. When it is broken off or released from its product, it enters into our atmosphere. It initially enters the ocean by littering, storms, water runoff, or even winds that carry plastic. In the oceans, microplastics are often consumed by marine life. They enter into the food chain when animals ingest contaminated food materials. They travel through the ocean food chain and are eventually taken in by human bodies through the air, our water, or our food. Also, once microplastics end up in our environment, they attract micro-organisms (or bacteria). If these pathogens enter our body, we are at risk for infection.
Type "A" when done.
(a)
Based on the paragraph, how can micro plastics enter into the ocean? Select all that apply.
winds
deforestation
climate change
water runoff
Based on the paragraph, how do micro plastics enter into the food chain?
when an animal dies because of ocean plastic
when food waste is dumped into oceans
when an animal eats contaminated food
when humans litter
Based on the paragraph, what do micro plastics attract once they enter the environment?
marine life
harmful bacteria
water runoff
human food
There have been many legislations that have attempted to limit microplastics. A specific one regarding human health is the FDA’s restrictions on BPA. As aforementioned, BPA is one of the leading hormone-disruptive chemicals located in many plastics. BPA was initially allowed to be used for all food contact materials in the 60’s. However, repetitive community outcry regarding BPA use has caused the FDA to take precautions in relation to its availability and presence in the food and material community. BPA is NOT outright banned but has been limited. Type "A" when done.
(a)
Did the FDA ban all use of BPA?
Yes
No
According to the paragraph, who or what caused the FDA to take BPA precautions?
President Biden
public outcry
Regulation Law of 1987
lab results
The main focus of BPA regulations include: plastic lunch boxes, baby bottles, and sport water bottles. All of these things are things that would be used regularly by infants or children- the age group that is most affected by hormone-disruptive chemicals. Obviously, microplastics and BPA are still present in the environment because they are found elsewhere, but the FDA is taking precautions and will continue to investigate the entirety of the harm that BPA can cause.
Type "A" when done.
(a)
The main focus of BPA regulations include:
(Select all that apply)
carpet and couches
plastic lunchboxes
baby bottles
sport water bottles
Which of the following do all these items have in common?
used by most businesses
all top-sellers at grocery stores
manufactured only in safe US cities
regularly used by children and infants
True or False:
micro plastics are present in the environment even with FDA regulations
false
true
