Question

Which one of the following is not a naturally-occurring element that may be hazardous to human health? A. Lead B. Radon C. Phthalate D. Mercury E. Arsenic

Short answer

C. Phthalate

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Question

The question is asking which of the listed options is not a naturally-occurring element that may be hazardous to human health.

Identify Naturally-Occurring Elements

Consider each option to see if it is a naturally-occurring element:A. LeadB. RadonD. MercuryE. Arsenic

Analyze Each Option

A. Lead - Lead (Pb) is a naturally-occurring metal that can be toxic.B. Radon - Radon (Rn) is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas.D. Mercury - Mercury (Hg) is a naturally-occurring liquid metal that is highly toxic.E. Arsenic - Arsenic (As) is a naturally-occurring metalloid that is highly toxic.

Identify the Odd Option Out

Option C, Phthalate, is not a naturally-occurring element. Phthalates are chemical compounds used to make plastics more flexible; they are synthetic.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, Phthalate (C) is the option that is not a naturally-occurring element but is hazardous to human health due to its synthetic nature.

Key concepts

Naturally-Occurring Elements

Naturally-occurring elements are substances found in the Earth's crust, atmosphere, oceans, and biosphere without human intervention. These elements can exist in different forms and may come from various natural sources. However, some naturally-occurring elements can be hazardous to human health. For example:

• Lead (Pb): A toxic metal found in the earth's crust. Exposure can affect almost every organ and system in your body.
• Radon (Rn): A radioactive gas that can come from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. It can cause lung cancer.
• Mercury (Hg): A liquid metal present in the environment from volcanic activity and weathering of rocks. Its organic forms are highly toxic, especially affecting the nervous system.
• Arsenic (As): A metalloid naturally present in rocks, soil, water, and air. Long-term exposure to arsenic can lead to harmful effects such as cancer.”

Naturally-occurring elements hazardous to health often accumulate through processes like mining, industrial pollution, or even natural soil conditions. Understanding these elements and their sources can help in mitigating exposure and safeguarding health.

Toxic Metals

Toxic metals are metallic elements that pose significant risks to health when they accumulate in biological systems. Some toxic metals occur naturally, while others result from industrial processes. Major toxic metals include:

• Lead: As mentioned earlier, lead is highly toxic and can be ingested through contaminated water, air, and food. Chronic exposure can cause neurological and developmental issues, especially in children.
• Mercury: Found in both organic and inorganic forms, mercury exposure can come from sources like fish consumption or industrial emissions. It affects the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.
• Cadmium: This element can come from batteries, metal coatings, and industrial processes. It can cause kidney damage, bone fractures, and cancer after long-term exposure.
• Arsenic: It's usually present in groundwater and can cause skin lesions, cognitive impairment, and increased risk of cancer.

Recognizing and minimizing exposure to these toxic metals is crucial for maintaining health. Regulations, proper disposal methods, and public awareness can help mitigate these risks.

Synthetic Compounds

Synthetic compounds are human-made substances created through chemical processes in laboratories or industrial settings. These compounds are not found naturally in the environment. Some synthetic compounds can be harmful to human health. A prevalent example is:

• Phthalates: These are chemical compounds used to make plastics flexible and durable. They can be found in a wide array of products like toys, packaging, and personal care items.

Exposure to phthalates can disrupt endocrine functions, which can lead to reproductive issues and developmental problems in children. It can also contribute to allergic conditions like asthma.
While synthetic compounds offer numerous benefits in everyday life, their safety is a concern. Regulatory bodies often establish safety guidelines to monitor and control the use and disposal of these substances, thus limiting their impact on human health.