Research Paper Source Citations

Revised research paper thesis:

Chemical dumping and pollution are serious problems in today's society, because they lead to the destruction of environmental ecosystems and a decline in human health; therefore, companies must be more cautious and diligent when it comes to safely getting rid of their toxic waste.

Citations of articles that I am using for support and evidence in my research paper:

Bedsworth, William W., and Henrik Drescher. "The Verdict." Sierra 78.3 (1993): 82. Academic

Search Premier. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

I chose this article because it discusses how California is cracking down on companies who dump chemicals or pollute. My thesis suggests that the solution to chemical dumping is companies being more careful about their environmental footprint. This article describes how companies are forced to take responsibility for their negative actions and exercise extreme caution when it comes to disposing of their waste. California has put tough laws into effect that harshly punish violators of environmental protection laws. These laws lead companies to be more diligent about their waste, and therefore, dispose of it much more safely. This effectively decreases the amount of companies who dump chemicals.

Herring, Hal. "Don't Eat That Fish." Field & Stream 108.11 (2004): 72-107. Academic Search

Premier. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

I chose this article because it describes the negative effects chemicals have on human health. My thesis addresses that issue as well. This article uses specific examples of times in history when chemical dumping had adverse effects on the people who came into contact with the chemicals. The article also identifies which chemicals and poisons are the most toxic, and what type of people are at greater risk for weakened health. That information will help with my paper. This article focuses quite a lot on one specific type of chemical, mercury, but there are several general interesting facts and points also brought up.

The Editorial Board. "North Carolina’s Noxious Pig Farms." Editorial. The New York Times 25

Oct. 2016: n. pag. Nytimes.com. Web. 15 Nov. 2016.

I chose this periodical because it describes a “toxins spill” due to a hurricane. Although the chemical spill was not caused by a company, it still negatively affected the people who live near the setting of the article. This article focuses mainly on the toxins that come from pig farms, but it goes into detail describing the types of toxins found. The article also describes what could potentially happen to the people who come into contact with those chemicals. All of this information will be useful in my article because I want to examine different types of chemicals and their effects in depth.

The following video shows how to properly and safely dispose of hazardous waste and materials:

Research Essay

For this research essay, I have decided to examine Friendswood through the lens of the environment. I am fascinated by the environment, and since the environment is such an important theme throughout Friendswood, I thought it would be the perfect topic.

The ten questions that I asked relating to this topic are:

1. What are safer alternatives to chemical dumping?

2. Should companies that negatively impact the environment be held more accountable for their actions?

3. Why is chemical dumping so dangerous?

4. What is the impact of chemical dumping on human health?

5. What are the reasons that a company would have to dump chemicals as opposed to getting rid of them safely?

6. What role does the EPA play in chemical spills?

7. What happens when the EPA fails to do their job and take care of chemical spills before they get out of control?

8. How does one clean up a chemical dump site?

9. What are the most toxic chemicals that are being dumped?

10. What is the impact of chemical dumping on surrounding environmental ecosystems?

The video below explains the EPA’s role in protecting the environment and how that role sometimes goes unfulfilled:

My thesis is a work in progress, but this is what I have so far:

Chemical dumping and pollution are serious problems, not only in Friendswood, but also in today's society, because they lead to the destruction of environmental ecosystems and a decline in human health; therefore, companies must be more cautious and diligent when it comes to safely getting rid of their toxic waste.