Question 18(multiple choice worth 3 points)
(04.03 hc)
synthetic compounds that mimic the biological function of the sex hormone estrogen have been found in the marine environment. how would this pollutant be
classified, and why is this a public health concer?
it is a pathogen. it might disrupt growth and development in marine organisms.
it is an environmental pollutant. it might disrupt sexual reproduction in marine organisms.
it is a genetic factor. it might be toxic to marine organisms and lead to death, changing the population structure.
it is both a pathogen and an environmental pollutant. it might lead to food shortages.

It is an environmental pollutant. It might disrupt sexual reproduction in marine organisms.

Explanation:

It is a pathogen. It might disrupt growth and development in marine organisms.  - false. Estrogen and similar synthetic compounds cannot be classified as a pathogen. Pathogens are microorganisms that cause disease. Estrogen is a hormone, not a pathogen.

It is an environmental pollutant. It might disrupt sexual reproduction in marine organisms.  - true. In this case, synthetic chemicals that mimic estrogen function have leaked into the environment, meaning it is an environmental pollutant. Because estrogen is a sex hormone that exists in all vertebrates (not just humans), its artificial existence in the environment will cause effects in marine life when exposed to it. This could interfere with sexual reproduction.

It is a genetic factor. It might be toxic to marine organisms and lead to death, changing the population structure - false. Although esrtogen can impact gene expression, it will not be considered a genetic factor. It would also unlikely be toxic to marine life, as they also possess estrogen.

It is both a pathogen and an environmental pollutant. It might lead to food shortages -  false. Estrogen cannot be classified as a pathogen.

i believe the answer would be b. hope it : )