Protection From Harmful Changes PDF

**Protection from Harmful Changes** Various materials found on Earth are utilized for creating the products and materials that we use in our daily lives. These materials undergo changes that can either be beneficial or harmful to us and the environment. However, many of the materials and products w...

**Protection from Harmful Changes** Various materials found on Earth are utilized for creating the products and materials that we use in our daily lives. These materials undergo changes that can either be beneficial or harmful to us and the environment. However, many of the materials and products we use eventually end up in the trash bins. When wastes accumulate and are not appropriately segregated, they can threaten the health of people, animals, and the environment. **Pollution** The environment can be negatively affected by plastic waste, chemicals like fertilizers and pesticides, heavy metals, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles and factories, and improper disposal of electronic, reactive, and radioactive waste. *Pollution* is the result of harmful chemical reactions that occur in landfills, bodies of water, and air. What are the types of pollution and how are they affecting you and the environment? 1\. Water Pollution Water is polluted when you can no longer use it for any purpose. For example, disposing of cooking oil in the sewer could result in the blockage of oxygen in bodies of water. Similarly, the disposing of detergents, soaps, and fertilizers in bodies of water causes eutrophication. *Eutrophication* is the enrichment of the water with chemical nutrients disposed into it. It results to the rapid increase of algae in the water, which causes shortage in oxygen. What do you think is the effect of eutrophication on the animals living in the sea? 2\. Land Pollution Land is polluted when the soil becomes less productive. Agricultural chemicals that are used to improve harvest and crop yield contain nonbiodegradable substances, while the wastes dumped in landfills also produce toxic chemicals. These chemicals sip through the soil, causing it to become infertile and acidic. 3\. Air Pollution Air is polluted when we can no longer breathe clean air. It is, because of the presence of air pollutants such as solid particulates, such as dust, fly ash, soot, and poisonous gases. These air pollutants leave harmful particles in the air you breathe and damage the atmosphere. **Minimizing Harmful Changes in Materials** Minimizing the waste we produce and the hazardous effects of chemical changes in materials we use and consume is crucial in protecting the environment and conserving its resources to ensure a sustainable future for Earth. There are various methods to minimize harmful changes in materials, and the most effective way is to prevent them from happening in the first place. The Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, makes provisions for the 5 Rs of waste management. The 5 Rs of waste management serves as a simple guide in helping people minimize the harmful environmental impacts of waste. Ultimately, this promotes long-term sustainability. Does your barangay observe Republic Act 9003? You can find out by doing the next activity. The 5 Rs stands for refuse, reduce, reuse, recover, and recycle. Refuse waste by making a conscious choice of not accepting unnecessary items or products that generate waste, like plastic bottles and bags, straws, or extra containers. Reduce waste by using less harmful, wasteful, and nonrecyclable products such as single-use plastics, paper plates, cups, and utensils. Reuse items that can be used more than once instead of throwing them away. These can extend the lifespan of materials such as glass bottles, plastic containers, and paper bags. *Recycle* altering or adapting a product for new use without changing its original or basic form. For example, you can clean old tin cans to be used as a pen container. *Recover* refers to the use of discarded items for other purposes in order to maximize the benefits of these materials. Some ways to recover waste materials are through recycling, composting, and generating energy from waste. Aside from the 5 Rs of waste management, it is best if you are also careful in handling and disposing of reactive and hazardous materials. Here are some tips: Reactive materials such as acids, bases, and oxidizers can be hazardous if not handled properly. When these materials are mixed accidentally, they can cause chemical reactions that release harmful gases or even lead to explosions. It is essential to keep the container labels for future reference and follow the instructions mentioned on the labels for appropriate storage and disposal of chemicals. Materials such as batteries, electronics, chemicals, and medical waste should be disposed of properly. They can be flammable and hazardous. When ingested, it can be toxic to people or animals. They should be disposed in a separate bin. Look around your house for three reactive and hazardous materials. Read the label of each material and take note of how the object should be handled and disposed of. Make a graphic organizer about your findings. How can you protect yourself, others, and the environment from the harmful changes in materials?