You do not live in polluted water like some frogs, but you may be exposed to environmental health hazards every day. For example, sunlight has some positive health effects, but too much sunlight can damage skin and increase the risk for skin cancer. It is difficult to say how much exposure is too much, but it is usually a good idea to wear protective clothing, stay in the shade when possible, and use sunscreen.

Many common household products contain hazardous chemicals that can cause a variety of health problems. For example, some cleaning products contain ammonia, which can cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Long-term exposure to dry cleaning chemicals, such as perchloroethylene, can increase your risk for some cancers. You can reduce your exposure to such chemicals by wearing gloves and opening windows when using them, or by choosing a safer alternative product.

List three environmental health hazards that you might come in contact with in your day-to-day life. Describe how you come in contact with each hazard and how you might protect yourself. Be sure to click "Save."

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