Question

some people become alarmed when they learn that the water they drink contains known carcinogens. these concerned people

Answer 1

Drinking untreated water can lead to serious health problems such as waterborne diseases and chemical poisoning, with arsenic and lead being notable contaminants that have caused widespread issues in places like Bangladesh and Flint, Michigan.

Step-by-step explanation:

Untreated water is dangerous to drink because it can contain various contaminants, including pathogens (viruses, bacteria, and parasites) and toxic chemicals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead. These contaminants can lead to serious health issues, including waterborne diseases, organ damage, and increased cancer risk. For example, Bangladeshis have experienced widespread water pollution from naturally occurring arsenic, causing a plethora of health problems including skin lesions, cancers, and potentially death. Moreover, the Flint Michigan Water Crisis highlighted risks from lead contamination due to old pipes and mismanagement, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. To ensure water safety, sources must be treated to remove harmful pathogens and chemicals, something that developed nations enforce through regulations to safeguard public health.

Answer 2

These concerned people : Should know that it is the concentration, and not the presence of carcinogens, that is of the greatest concern

What are carcinogens

Carcinogens are substances or agents that can directly cause or promote the development of cancer. These can be found in various forms:

Chemical Carcinogens: Substances like certain chemicals, pesticides, tobacco smoke, asbestos, benzene, and some components of industrial processes, when exposed to over a prolonged period, can increase the risk of cancer development.

Physical Carcinogens: Radiation, both ionizing (such as X-rays and gamma rays) and non-ionizing (like UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds), can induce DNA damage, leading to cancerous changes.

question

Some people become alarmed when they learn that the water they drink contains known carcinogens. These concerned people -----