Question 1

What is information literacy, and why is it important in cases like that of BPA?

Accepted Answer

Information literacy is the ability to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources. It is the ability to find and evaluate the quality of information in order to be able to then draw reasonable, evidence-based conclusions about an issue or topic. It is especially important in the case of BPA, where misinformation or biased reports can create panic (or False security) in the public who are concerned about the effects of BPA, particularly in products for babies.

Question 2

During the peer-review process, what criteria do reviewers look for in papers to determine if the papers will be accepted or rejected?

Accepted Answer

Reviewers look for all of the above criteria to determine if a paper will be accepted or rejected. The quality of the design, data, and statistical analysis all contribute to the soundness of the conclusion and overall strength of the paper.

Question 3

What is a toxin?

Accepted Answer

A toxin is something that causes damage after exposure. For example, arsenic can leach into ground water and cause cancer and damage the nervous system. Asbestos, another good example, is found in old building materials and affects the lungs after long exposure.

Question 4

Blogs, websites, and news shows that provide additional commentary on reports from the popular press are considered ________.

Accepted Answer

Tertiary sources are those that provide analysis, commentary or interpretation on primary and secondary sources. Blogs, websites, and news shows that offer additional commentary on reports from the popular press are examples of tertiary sources.

Question 5

In risk assessment, why is it not possible to carefully weigh all of the risks and benefits associated with a new chemical?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In risk assessment, why is it not...

Question 6

The ability to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information is called __________.

Accepted Answer

Information literacy refers to the ability to effectively and critically evaluate information sources and determine their credibility and relevance to a particular topic or issue. It involves a range of skills, including identifying bias, recognizing logical fallacies, evaluating evidence, and using appropriate search strategies. Increasingly important in the digital age, information literacy is essential for making informed decisions, conducting research, and engaging in civic and professional life.

Question 7

Why are water-soluble chemicals sometimes safer for humans but not for the environment?

Accepted Answer

Water-soluble chemicals can be excreted by humans in their urine, which reduces the risk of toxicity. However, when these chemicals are released into the environment, they can be absorbed and accumulate in living organisms, leading to harmful effects over time. The water solubility of these chemicals also means they can easily move through aquatic ecosystems, increasing the potential for exposure and harm to aquatic organisms. Therefore, while they may be safer for humans, they can pose a risk to the environment.

Question 8

Which of the following LD50 score (dose in ppm) indicates the highest level of toxicity?

Accepted Answer

The lower the LD50 score, the higher the level of toxicity. Therefore, a LD50 score of 8 indicates the highest level of toxicity, as it requires the lowest dose to achieve lethal effects.

Question 9

Textbooks are examples of ________.

Accepted Answer

Textbooks are considered secondary sources as they compile and interpret information from primary sources.

Question 10

Carefully weighing the risks and benefits associated with any chemical is known as _______.

Accepted Answer

The careful weighing of risks and benefits associated with any chemical is known as risk assessment. Choices A, B, C, and D are other principles or concepts, but do not directly relate to the process of evaluating the risks and benefits of a chemical.

Question 11

Which is TRUE about the precautionary principle?

Accepted Answer

The precautionary principle emphasizes preventing harm to consumers and the environment by not allowing potentially harmful products to reach the market in the first place.

Question 12

Which source is the most likely to perpetuate errors that have previously appeared?

Accepted Answer

Tertiary sources are most likely to perpetuate errors that have previously appeared because they are based on secondary sources, which are themselves based on primary sources. This means that any errors in the primary sources will be compounded in the secondary sources and then again in the tertiary sources.

Question 13

Explain the differences between primary, secondary, and tertiary information sources. Provide an example of each type.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the differences between primary, secondary, and...

Question 14

Which of the following information sources is peer reviewed?

Accepted Answer

Primary sources are often peer reviewed, as they report original research conducted by experts in the field and are subject to rigorous evaluation by other experts before publication. Secondary, tertiary, review, and report sources may or may not be peer reviewed.

Question 15

Why is knowledge about the persistence of a chemical important when considering its toxicity?

Accepted Answer

Persistence is a measure of how long a chemical remains in an area, and this determines how long it may be a health concern. If a chemical is persistent, it may continue to pose a risk to human and environmental health long after its initial use or release. This is important to consider when assessing the toxicity of a chemical because a longer persistence generally means a longer period of potential exposure to the chemical, and therefore a greater potential for harm. However, persistence alone does not necessarily determine toxicity, as there are many other factors to consider, including exposure pathways, dose, and the chemical's chemical and physical properties.

Question 16

A new drug has been successful in alleviating nausea in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Many women also experience intense nausea at certain stages of pregnancy. First, as an FDA regulator, apply the precautionary principle to this new drug and describe what criteria must be met before it is made available to expectant mothers. Second, as a representative of the drug company who manufacturers the drug, apply the "innocent until proven guilty" approach to argue why this drug is likely safe and should be made available to all who need it.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A new drug has been successful in...

Question 17

What is the rule of thumb that calls for leaving a safety margin when the data about a particular substance's potential for harm are uncertain, and where the substance may cause unexpected or unpredictable effects?

Accepted Answer

The precautionary principle is a rule of thumb that calls for leaving a safety margin when the data about a particular substance's potential for harm are uncertain, and where the substance may cause unexpected or unpredictable effects. This principle promotes taking action to prevent harm, even in the absence of definitive scientific evidence, to protect public and environmental health.

Question 18

Papers that are published in scientific journals are examples of ______.

Accepted Answer

Papers published in scientific journals are considered primary sources because they report original research findings and data firsthand.

Question 19

A new drug has been developed to inhibit the replication of HIV, the retrovirus that causes AIDS. In studies using mice as a model organism, the drug showed amazing results: 60% of infected mice who received the drug did not go on to develop AIDS. This drug has the potential to help eradicate AIDS in humans, but it is unknown what possible side effects exist. As an FDA regulator, what are the pros and cons of applying the precautionary principle to this new drug?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A new drug has been developed to...

Question 20

Individuals react differently to toxin exposures. Which of the following factors could affect an individual's reaction to toxin exposure?

Accepted Answer

All of the listed factors (route of exposure, dose of toxin, age of the individual, and genetics of the individual) can influence an individual's reaction to toxin exposure. The route of exposure can affect how quickly the toxin is absorbed into the body, while the dose of toxin can determine the severity of the effects. Age can play a role in susceptibility to toxins, and genetics can affect how an individual metabolizes and eliminates toxins.

Quiz 3: Information Literacy:toxic Bottles on the Trail of Chemicals in Our Everyday Lives- Human Populations and Environmental Health