Read the Following Scenario and Answer the Question Below

question 46

Multiple Choice

Read the following scenario and answer the question below.
Mercury is a heavy metal that occurs naturally in minerals and rocks. Release of mercury from natural sources has been relatively constant over time. However, anthropogenic release of mercury has increased significantly in recent years primarily due to increased fossil fuel mining and combustion. Mercury that is released into the air eventually ends up in soils or surface water. Once in water, microbes convert mercury into methyl mercury, which is absorbed quickly and concentrated in the tissues of predatory fish such as shark and swordfish. Large fish typically concentrate more mercury than small fish.
People who eat fish with high methyl mercury concentrations can show tremors, deafness, muscle incoordination, and attention deficits. Pregnant women and children are especially sensitive to methyl mercury's toxic effects. Learning disabilities and developmental delays are common in children who have been exposed to significant levels of methyl mercury.
-Based upon the specific health effects described in the scenario, mercury would be best classified as a _____________.

• A)endocrine disruptor
• B)carcinogen
• C)synergist
• D)neurotoxin
• E)allergen

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Definitions:

Psychodynamic Psychotherapists

Mental health professionals who treat psychological disorders by exploring the unconscious mind, past experiences, and interpersonal relationships.

Avoidant Personality Disorder

A psychiatric condition marked by significant social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation.

Criticized

The act of expressing disapproval or finding faults in something or someone, often including suggestions for improvement.

Histrionic Personality Disorder

A mental disorder characterized by a pattern of excessive emotionality and attention-seeking behaviors.