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Are There Toxic Chemicals in People’s Bodies?

Provided by: Science Journal for Kids |Published on: May 15, 2026

Scientific Reports

678910

Synopsis

In this adapted peer-reviewed article, students will learn about Superfund sites and how they impact the health of nearby communities.
The study looked at residents near three Superfund sites in Glynn County, Georgia, to determine if they had toxicants in their bodies after living near the sites.

Subjects: Biology, Health

Authors: Science Journal for Kids

Region: United States, Georgia

Languages: English

Positives

The glossary in the article is a helpful resource for students to reference as they read.
The activities at the end of the article have a variety of low- to high-lift options, allowing for an extension that fits the group's needs.

Prerequisites

Teachers will need to enter some information, such as their school, name, and email, to access the answer key.
It may benefit students to discuss what makes certain chemicals toxic and the impacts that some toxic chemicals have on the human body.

Differentiation & Implementation

Teachers may want to begin by showing students the map on page two to give them an idea of where Glynn County is located.
Teachers can use this article in a lesson or unit about environmental justice, noting that it is important that researchers look at the data as a whole, and also specifically for marginalized groups such as Black populations and elderly populations, as was done in this study. Teachers can also implement this high school lesson on environmental justice as an introduction.
To make connections between food webs, toxins, and bioaccumulation, teachers can reference the section about bioaccumulation and biomagnification in this report and show students this video to illustrate how it happens.
This report can be used to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format