STS Units
for use in the classroom

This unit investigates the effects of toxic pollutants on human beings.

*most environmental laws in the US seek to control only the release of potentially dangerous wastes into the air and water, not the amount of contact people actually have with these pollutants.

*the focus on emissions rather than exposure essentially disregards the reality that toxic substances produce health problems only if they reach the body.

Research has found that at least 600 measurable chemicals in our bodies were not present in anyone before the 1930's

Environmental regulations have improved the quality of outdoor air, but problems that persist indoors have received too little attention.