Problem 1
Assume that you are a national official with the power to set policy for controlling environmental mercury pollution from human sources (Core Case Study). List the goals of your policy and outline a plan for accomplishing those goals. List three or more possible problems that could result from implementing your policy.
Problem 2
What are three actions you would take to reduce the global threats to human health and life from each of the following: (a) tuberculosis, (b) HIV/AIDS, and (c) malaria?
Problem 3
Explain why you agree or disagree with each of the following statements: a. We should not worry much about exposure to toxic chemicals because almost any chemical, at a large enough dosage, can cause some harm. b. We should not worry much about exposure to toxic chemicals because, through genetic adaptation, we can develop immunities to such chemicals. c. We should not worry much about exposure to toxic chemicals because we can use genetic engineering to reduce our susceptibility to their effects. d. We should not worry about exposure to a chemical such as bisphenol A (BPA) because it has not been absolutely proven scientifically that BPA has killed anyone.
Problem 4
Should we ban the use of hormone mimics such as BPA in making products to be used by children younger than age 5 ? Should such a ban be extended to all products? Explain.
Problem 5
Workers in a number of industries are exposed to higher levels of various toxic substances than are the public. Should we reduce the workplace levels allowed for such chemicals? What economic effects might this have?
Problem 6
Do you think that electronic cigarettes should be taxed and regulated like conventional cigarettes? Explain.
Problem 7
What are the three major risks you face from each of the following: (a) your lifestyle, (b) where you live, and (c) what you do for a living? Which of these risks are voluntary and which are involuntary? List three steps you could take to reduce each of these risks. Which of these steps do you already take or plan to take?
Problem 8
In deciding what to do about risks from chemicals in the area where you live, would you support legislation that requires the use of pollution prevention based on the precautionary principle and on the assumption that chemicals are potentially harmful until shown otherwise? Explain.
