Urban Environmental Quality and Human Health: Conceiving a Sustainable Future

CONTENTS OF CURRICULUM UNIT 08.07.11

  1. Unit Guide
  1. Introduction
  2. Background
  3. The Endocrine System
  4. Evidence of Disruption in the Endocrine Systems of Diverse Animals
  5. Spread of Synthetic Chemicals
  6. Endocrine disrupting chemicals
  7. Conclusion
  8. Lesson Plans
  9. Reading Materials
  10. Electronic Resources
  11. Readings for Students
  12. Endnotes

Effects of Plastics on Top Predators' Health

Francisca Sorensen

Published September 2008

Tools for this Unit:

Guide Entry to 08.07.11

Most reports indicate that nearly 100 billion pounds of plastic are produced in the United States each year. They are found in everything from the packaging of food and beverages to furniture, toys; medical devices, building products, electrical wiring and vehicles. Mention is made to their durability and effects on the environment as well as the consequences that two of the compounds found in plastics: Diethylhexylphtalate (DEHP) and bisphenol A (BPA) have on normal endocrine systems in different species of animals. A number of animal case studies are presented here along with the substantiating findings that point to the deleterious effects that the aforementioned compounds have had on them. This short analysis is designed to create awareness in teachers in the hope that the information will reach their students and their parents. Perhaps together we will be able to assist in finding ways to combat the growing threat to the earth's biota.

(Developed for Science and Social Studies, grade 2; recommended for Science and Social Studies, grades 2-5)

Comments:

Cindy Woolery

July 9, 2009 at 2:18 pm

Thanks!

Thanks so much for sharing this unit with me! I enjoyed reading it and will use some of the ideas from the unit with my students.

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