FEARSOME 5

Cyber John S. Ismil

Is it Toxic in School? Are teachers toxic? Are bullies toxic? Is a failed

Globalization Quiz toxic? Let me ask you once more. Is it Toxic in School?

My topic to be discussed is called Fearsome 5. Now, it’s not like any other
fearsome or scary characters or ghosts. This 5 is more fearsome. Unlike, other
fearsome things, this 5 could cause pain or even death to once who handle them
improperly.

So what is Fearsome 5? Fearsome 5 is composed of 5 of the most toxic

chemicals that have plagued the world. This includes Arsenic, Asbestos,
Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element, which is highly toxic and

carcinogenic! You can be exposed to this through inhalation and ingestion. It is
mostly present in semiconductors, coal, and even pesticides, such as used in
Aerial Spraying. It could also get to the food. Symptoms of exposure are nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea. This could cause “Pins and needle” sensation,
hyperkeratosis, and decreased blood cells.

Second is Asbestos. It is a naturally occurring mineral fiber, which is highly

toxic, and a known carcinogen. Exposure can be through inhalation. This can be
seen in wire gauzes, walls, and tiles. Its main target is the lungs, in which it
aggravates the proper breathing of the victim, and could cause worse diseases
such as lung cancer.

Cadmium is a naturally occurring element, which is also highly toxic and

carcinogenic. We can be exposed mostly due to incineration of cadmium-
containing products. This mineral can be seen in electronic, coal, and batteries!
Same as Asbestos, it also affects the lungs.

Fourth is Lead. This is a naturally occurring element, which is highly toxic

and a potent poison to the developing brain, especially the children. The
exposure to this is through skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion. It is persistent,
it bio accumulates, and biomagnifies. Lead can be found in paint, fuel, toys, and
other brightly colored materials! This can even be found on cheap makeups.

And last but certainly not the least is Mercury! Mercury is a naturally
occurring element, which is a known neurotoxin. It is highly volatile and people
can be exposed through inhalation and ingestion. Mercury is tasteless and
odorless and can evaporate at room temperature. Therefore, you won’t know if
you are sniffing mercury or not. It also bio accumulates and biomagnifies. It can
be seen in Thermometers, Science Laboratories, lights bulbs, and even cheap
makeups.
 Who are most at risk? Women and Children! There has been a mercury
contamination in Japan and caused a neurological disorder called the Minamata
disease, named after the place. People, especially children, and even animals
were contaminated with mercury. The effects were people cannot control their
movements, and born children in the second and third generation have body
disfigures.

What can we do to prevent all of these from happening? We have to

educate the people. We have to teach them how to manage their wastes. Taking
care of our community is not just the responsibility of the mayor or the barangay
officials. It is our duty! The only world worth passing to our children is toxics-free!
And it takes a village to raise a healthy child in a healthy environment. Together,
a toxics-free world will be passed to them!