Which of the following can cause nervous system damages and cancers?a.Hydrocarbon wastesb.Mercury and leadc.Detergent wastesd.Acids

Breakdown of the Problem

1. Identify the substances listed in the options.
2. Evaluate each substance's potential effects on the nervous system and cancer risk.

Relevant Concepts

1. Neurotoxicity: The capacity of a substance to cause damage to the nervous system.
2. Carcinogenicity: The ability of a substance to promote cancer development.

Analysis and Detail

1. Hydrocarbon wastes: These can be associated with various health risks due to their persistent nature in the environment and potential to form reactive radicals that may lead to DNA damage.

2. Mercury and lead: Both are heavy metals known for their neurotoxic effects. Mercury can cause neurological effects, including cognitive impairments, while lead exposure is associated with developmental disorders in children and is known to be carcinogenic.

3. Detergent wastes: Generally, household detergents are not seen as highly toxic to the nervous system or as carcinogens, though certain industrial detergents may contain harmful chemicals.

4. Acids: While exposure to certain strong acids can cause tissue damage, they are not primarily classified as neurotoxins or carcinogens. Long-term exposure may lead to other health issues but not typically nervous system damage or cancer directly.

Verify and Summarize

From the evaluation:

• Hydrocarbon wastes and heavy metals (mercury and lead) have definitive links to nervous system damage and cancer risk.
• Detergent wastes are less likely to cause such effects.
• Acid exposure generally does not lead to long-term nervous system damage or carcinogenic risks directly.

Final Answer

b. Mercury and lead are the most significant substances among the options provided that can cause nervous system damages and cancers.