Question 1

Heavy-metal contamination of sludge

Accepted Answer

Heavy-metal contamination of sludge is hazardous to health. These metals can accumulate in soil, crops, animals, and ultimately humans, causing various health problems like kidney damage, cancer, etc. Therefore, it is essential to remove heavy-metal contamination from the sludge before using it as a fertilizer. Burning is not a suitable method to eliminate heavy-metal contamination from the sludge as it can release toxic gases into the atmosphere.

Question 2

Kelly is concerned about protecting her town's water supply. List and describe seven recommendations that will accomplish her wishes.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Kelly is concerned about protecting her town's...

Question 3

The disease that is most likely to increase in incidence because of the thinning of the ozone layer is

Accepted Answer

The thinning of the ozone layer leads to an increase in the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that reaches the Earth's surface. UV radiation is a known cause of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. Therefore, the disease most likely to increase in incidence because of the thinning of the ozone layer is skin cancer.

Question 4

What percentage of the world's fresh water is available for human use?

Accepted Answer

Only about 1% of the world's fresh water is readily accessible for human use, as most of it is trapped in glaciers, ice caps, or deep underground.

Question 5

The pesticide DDT contributed to the control of

Accepted Answer

DDT was extensively used in tropical countries to control the spread of insect-borne diseases like malaria and typhus. It was highly effective in eliminating the mosquito vectors that transmit these diseases.

Question 6

Nuclear power has which of the following characteristics?

Accepted Answer

Nuclear power is considered clean because it produces minimal greenhouse gases, efficient due to its high energy output relative to fuel used, and inexpensive in terms of fuel costs compared to other energy sources.

Question 7

Environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of which of the following conditions?

Accepted Answer

Environmental tobacco smoke has been linked to an increased risk of bronchitis, asthma, and cardiovascular disease. It can irritate the airways and lungs, leading to respiratory issues, and also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease due to the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke. While asthma and bronchitis are specifically mentioned, cardiovascular disease is also a significant risk factor associated with exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Therefore, option B is the best choice.

Question 8

Danny is a freshmen in college and is interested in becoming a "green consumer." List and describe at least five ways he can reduce the amount of potential garbage he produces.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Danny is a freshmen in college and...

Question 9

List and describe five ways a person can prevent chemical pollution. Give an example that supports each of these recommendations.

Accepted Answer

The answer of List and describe five ways a person...

Question 10

Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding environmental health?

Accepted Answer

While environmental health does address chronic diseases caused by environmental factors, its primary aim is not solely focused on decreasing the burden of chronic disease. The field is concerned with all aspects of human-environment interactions and the potential health consequences, including those related to infectious diseases, accidents, injury, and more.

Question 11

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are chemicals used in which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Chlorofluorocarbons are used in refrigerants, industrial solvents, and spray-can propellants.

Question 12

The world's current population is about what?

Accepted Answer

As of 2021, the world's population is estimated to be around 7.3 billion.

Question 13

According to the WHO, smoke and by-products of indoor fires kill how many people annually?

Accepted Answer

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that smoke and by-products of indoor fires kill approximately 1.5 million people annually.

Question 14

Define biomagnification, and describe how it affects exposure to pesticides and mercury. Explain (1) dietary recommendations relating to mercury intake and (2) the appropriate method for cleaning up mercury from a broken thermometer.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define biomagnification, and describe how it affects...

Question 15

All of the following are simple steps for protecting the water supply, EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Watering lawns and garden plants in mid-afternoon is not a simple step for protecting the water supply, as it can cause excessive evaporation and water waste. The other options listed are all simple steps that can help protect the water supply.

Question 16

Key greenhouse gases include all of the following, EXCEPT

Accepted Answer

Helium is not considered a greenhouse gas as it does not absorb or emit infrared radiation, which is what allows greenhouse gases to trap heat in the atmosphere.

Question 17

Explain the function of the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). Next, briefly outline how smog forms, including the key pollutants and environmental conditions required. Finally, list three things individuals can do to help reduce air pollution and prevent smog.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the function of the Air Quality...

Question 18

The most publicized health threat associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is

Accepted Answer

PCBs have been linked to various types of cancer, including liver and bladder cancer. Other health effects associated with PCB exposure include reproductive problems, immune system dysfunction, and neurological and developmental disorders. However, cancer is the most publicized health threat.

Question 19

Jane lives in a province in which the legislature is considering a bill (AB 175) that would allow new roads to be built through a wilderness area. Proponents support the measure because it would allow greater access for recreation and the harvesting of more trees from non-protected areas that are now difficult for large trucks to reach. Opponents state that the plan will endanger the ecosystem and its wildlife through habitat destruction from road-building and from increased human use and logging. Jane wishes to write her local representative about this issue. Choose a position, and draft a brief letter that follows the guidelines suggested in your text.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Jane lives in a province in which...

Question 20

How many people die annually from water-related causes around the world?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How many people die annually from water-related...

Quiz 21: Environmental Health