SCH4U – Consumer Chemistry Assignment

Overview

In this assignment you will research a controversial, current topic in consumer chemistry: the safety of chemicals commonly used in the production of many plastics. You will report on the nature of the controversy, the issues involved, and identify bias in the sources you use. You will also make recommendations for consumers, politicians, and the chemical industry.

Here is an example:

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are found in an amazing variety of plastic products1, and are produced in massive quantities by the chemical industry2. Some research suggests that these chemicals may be leaching out of plastics and into our bodies, with a variety of serious negative health effects3. Other research shows that they are perfectly safe for humans4. In the spring of 2008, Health Canada banned BPA-containing baby products from being imported or sold in Canada5.

References

1. National Institutes of Health. “Since You Asked - Bisphenol A”. Retrieved November 7, 2008. http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/media/questions/sya-bpa.cfm

2. ibid.

3. The Work Group For Safe Markets. “Baby’s Toxic Bottle.” Retrieved November 7, 2008. http://www.chej.org/documents/BabysToxicBottleFinal.pdf

4. Environmental Protection Agency. “Bisphenol-A Quickview.” Retrieved November 7, 2008. http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iris/index.cfm?fuseaction=iris.showQuickView&substance_nmbr=0356

5. Health Canada. “Government of Canada Takes Action on Another Chemical of Concern: Bisphenol A.” Retrieved November 7, 2008. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2008/2008_59-eng.php

Instructions

1.  Questions [25]

a.  Answer the questions on the following page by accessing information online, in newspapers, journals, or books.

b.  Anytime you get information from any source for this project, you must acknowledge that source using the same format shown above.

c.  The information you present and your ability to communicate it is worth 25 of 40 marks.

2.  Sources [15]

a.  You may use any sources you like. One of the objectives of this assignment is to show me that you can navigate a variety of appropriate sources and identify bias when it is present.

b.  Cite your sources in the same format that I have used on this sheet (called ‘footnote’ or ‘Chicago’ style).

c.  Annotate each source with a brief sentence or two discussing its content, relevance, bias, authority, or anything else you feel is important about the source.

d.  Your sources and annotation will be marked based on the rubric provided, and is worth 15 of 40 marks.

Due Dates:

Rough Draft Due: Monday, October 22 at the beginning of class.

Final Assignment Due: Monday, October 29, no later than 3 pm.

Questions to Answer [25]

1.  Draw the chemical structure of the compound chosen and give three examples of products that you have used that contain this organic compound. [4]

2.  Find sources that acknowledge that your compound is toxic. Use them to answer the following:

a.  List at least two negative health effects that are well-supported by research. [2]

b.  Provide at least one negative health effect that is not well supported by research. Why would this particular source make such a statement? [2]

3.  Provide at least one direct quote to support each statement: [6]

a.  This compound is toxic or hazardous

b.  This compound is safe.

For each quote, discuss the authority (credentials, credibility) and the objectivity (bias) of the source.

4.  Possible solutions to this controversy.

a.  Are there any non-toxic alternatives to your compound? Give examples. What are their advantages and disadvantages? Check what impact is there on the environment due to the manufacture and disposal of these alternatives. [5]

b.  Make a recommendation to the government (ex. Health Canada )– should we have a ban on products containing this compound? [3]

c.  Make recommendations to Canadians. What products should they avoid? What should they be aware of? [3]

Rubric for Sources [15]

Category / Level 1 [2.5-3] / Level 2 [3-3.5] / Level 3 [3.5-4] / Level 4 [4.5-5]
______references chosen are appropriate in content and authority. / Few / Some / Most / All
References are documented properly, based on example given. / Improper format used. / Attempt to follow given format, some details missing. / Format followed correctly. / Format followed correctly with care in getting all details.
References are annotated / Cursory notes provided with little detail or thought. / Some detail is provided. / References are adequately annotated. / Detailed and thoughtful annotations provided for each reference.

Total /40