Deck 19: Environmental Health

Question 1

For the first time in history,there are

A)more young children than parents.
B)more older people than young children.
C)more young children than older people.
D)more older people than parents.

Answer 1

more older people than young children.

Question 2

The Air Quality Index measures the

A)level of carbon monoxide over the previous ten days.
B)deterioration in the ozone layer.
C)concentration of five air pollutants of concern to health.
D)amount that visibility is diminished by smog.

Answer 2

concentration of five air pollutants of concern to health.

Question 3

Ground-level ozone has been linked with all of the following EXCEPT

A)damaging the lining of the lungs.
B)aggravating asthma.
C)increasing one's risk of lung cancer.
D)reducing lung function.

Answer 3

increasing one's risk of lung cancer.

Question 4

World population is increasing at the approximate rate of 75 million people per

A)week.
B)month.
C)year.
D)decade.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about environmental health is FALSE?

A)It has focused on preventing infectious diseases spread by water,waste,food,rodents,and insects.
B)It encompasses all the interactions of humans and their environment and the health consequences of these actions.
C)Environmental pollutants contribute to infectious diseases but not to chronic diseases.
D)Advancements in technology have contributed to both the causes of and solutions to environmental health issues.

Question 6

Which of the following medical conditions has NOT been linked to air pollution?

A)reduced birth weight
B)reduced lung capacity in teenagers
C)thickening of the arteries in adults
D)decreased bone density in women

Question 7

Which of the following statements about factors contributing to population growth is FALSE?

A)Families in developing countries may have more children to ensure enough survive childhood to work for the household.
B)Half the world's couples do not use any form of family planning.
C)Death rates have decreased in the developing world due to improved public health measures.
D)Poverty and high child mortality rates are associated with low fertility rates in developing countries.

Question 8

What is the core reason for many of today's environmental problems?

A)air pollution
B)water pollution
C)dependence on nuclear power
D)rapid population growth

Question 9

Which of the following statements about air pollution is FALSE?

A)Research has linked exposure to air pollution to reduced birth weight in infants.
B)Air pollution occurs with every pollen bloom.
C)Increased population growth,especially in urban areas,concentrates the problem.
D)Nuclear energy seems to be the solution to air pollution.

Question 10

Factors that may limit human population growth include all of the following EXCEPT

A)energy.
B)available water.
C)food supply.
D)religious belief.

Question 11

An Air Quality Index reading of 105 means the air quality is considered

A)good,posing little or no risk to sensitive groups.
B)acceptable for all but the most highly sensitive groups.
C)unhealthy for sensitive groups,including older adults and children.
D)very unhealthy for all people,resulting in a public health alert.

Question 12

The EPA's Air Quality Index measures all of the following EXCEPT

A)carbon monoxide.
B)natural gas.
C)ground-level ozone.
D)nitrogen dioxide.

Question 13

"Sustainable development" refers to development that meets society's current needs and

A)grows at a specified pace annually.
B)allows future generations to meet theirs.
C)caps energy use at current annual levels.
D)gradually reduces energy use over time.

Question 14

Which of the following does NOT contribute to air pollution?

A)forest fires
B)battery-driven golf carts
C)blooming flowers
D)dust storms

Question 15

Which of the following statements about factors in world population growth is FALSE?

A)There is currently enough food produced to feed the world's entire population.
B)About half the world's energy currently comes from renewable sources.
C)It is the driving force behind many recent environmental concerns.
D)High child mortality rates are associated with high fertility rates.

Question 16

A major contributor to loss of habitat and species extinction is

A)population growth.
B)nuclear power.
C)tourism.
D)improved farming methods.

Question 17

The United Nation's Convention on Biodiversity estimates that demand for resources

A)is decreasing overall due to technological improvements.
B)will exceed the earth's capacity by 2020.
C)already exceeds the earth's capacity by 20%.
D)can continue to grow without negative consequences.

Question 18

The United Nations projects that world population will reach 9.3 billion by

A)2020.
B)2050.
C)2075.
D)2100.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a factor that directly affects population control?

A)fertility rates
B)habitat destruction
C)death rates
D)availability of family planning

Question 20

Particulate matter is released into the atmosphere by all of the following EXCEPT

A)ultraviolet rays.
B)industrial processes.
C)dust from roadways.
D)combustion of fossil fuels.

Question 21

A gas or vapor that traps infrared radiation instead of allowing it to escape through the atmosphere is called a(n)

A)air stagnator.
B)temperature inversion column.
C)greenhouse gas.
D)global-warming ozone.

Question 22

Environmental tobacco smoke increases the risk of all of the following EXCEPT

A)cardiovascular disease.
B)bronchitis.
C)asthma.
D)skin cancer.

Question 23

If the greenhouse effect does raise temperatures worldwide,it is predicted that all of the following will happen EXCEPT

A)change in location of vegetation zones.
B)increased mortality from heat stress.
C)change in weather and ocean patterns.
D)distortion of the earth's orbital path.

Question 24

Which of the following is an acronym for a recently introduced type of vehicle that has a high fuel economy rating?

A)SUV
B)AQI
C)HEV
D)CFC

Question 25

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

A)lung cancer.
B)lymphoma.
C)skin cancer.
D)leukemia.

Question 26

About what percentage of energy used in the United States comes from fossil fuels?

A)25%
B)60%
C)85%
D)100%

Question 27

______ are the biggest energy consumers.

A)Russians
B)Europeans
C)Americans
D)Chinese

Question 28

Which of the following statements about global warming is TRUE?

A)Global warming will be evenly distributed around the globe.
B)Oceans will warm more than land areas.
C)High latitudes will warm more than low latitudes.
D)The earth's surface temperature is not expected to increase in this century.

Question 29

Key greenhouse gases include all of the following EXCEPT

A)helium.
B)carbon dioxide.
C)chlorofluorocarbons.
D)methane.

Question 30

Exposure to ______ can cause headaches,chronic bronchitis,dizziness,fatigue,and death.

A)pollen
B)volatile organic compounds
C)carbon monoxide
D)asbestos

Question 31

Which of the following about the earth's polar ice caps is TRUE?

A)By 2030,the polar ice could melt away completely during the summer months.
B)Since 2007,there has been less polar ice melting than there was from 2000 to 2006.
C)Experts now believe that polar ice melting will not be a problem for future generations.
D)Polar ice melts help to stabilize global weather patterns.

Question 32

Which of the following statements about energy use and pollution is TRUE?

A)Energy consumption has little to do with environmental problems such as air pollution.
B)Nuclear power creates energy without producing pollution.
C)The mining of coal causes pollution on land and is a serious health problem.
D)Off-shore oil drilling poses few risks to regional ecosystems.

Question 33

Levels of atmospheric greenhouse gases are rising because of

A)combustion of fossil fuels.
B)water pollution.
C)acid rain.
D)the destruction of the ozone layer.

Question 34

One potential drawback with the use of ethanol as an alternative energy source is that it

A)diverts corn crops from the food supply.
B)is a nonrenewable energy source.
C)will increase greenhouse gas emissions.
D)cannot be produced in the United States.

Question 35

Release of ______ into the atmosphere is the primary cause of the depletion of the ozone layer.

A)chlorofluorocarbons
B)fluorine
C)PCBs
D)ethanol

Question 36

The ozone layer in the upper atmosphere

A)shields the earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
B)facilitates temperature inversions.
C)maintains the pH of rain.
D)is the key component of smog.

Question 37

The most obvious depletion of the ozone layer has occurred over

A)AntarcticA.
B)the United States.
C)the equator.
D)Africa.

Question 38

The key component of smog is

A)sulfur dioxide.
B)particulate matter.
C)carbon monoxide.
D)ground-level ozone.

Question 39

The greenhouse effect is related to

A)acid rain.
B)global warming.
C)ecological homeostasis.
D)smog.

Question 40

Which of the following does NOT make smog more likely to form?

A)heavy motor vehicle traffic
B)high temperatures
C)sunny weather
D)strong winds

Question 41

Which of the following communities is noted for being contaminated with toxic industrial wastes?

A)Roswell,NV
B)Cleveland,Ohio
C)Passaic,NJ
D)Love Canal,New York

Question 42

What is the process by which organic substances are broken down naturally by living organisms?

A)biodegradation
B)recycling
C)septic systemization
D)organic oxygenation

Question 43

In ______,the waste material from one product is used as the raw material to produce a new product.

A)recycling
B)composting
C)biodegradation
D)sanitary landfills

Question 44

Water is usually disinfected by using

A)fluoride.
B)chlorine.
C)filtration.
D)screening.

Question 45

You can help save the ozone layer by doing all of the following EXCEPT

A)checking your car's air conditioner for leaks.
B)using rigid foam insulation in your home.
C)running your dishwasher only when you have a full load.
D)not buying products that contain CFCs.

Question 46

You can conserve energy by doing all of the following EXCEPT

A)cutting back on driving.
B)making sure your home is well-insulated.
C)planting and caring for trees.
D)using fluorescent tubes for lighting.

Question 47

The ultimate solution to the problem of garbage is

A)land burial.
B)burning.
C)sea burial.
D)reduced consumption.

Question 48

A long-term health threat associated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)is

A)arthritis.
B)mental retardation.
C)cancer.
D)birth defects.

Question 49

The respiratory disease most closely associated with asbestos is

A)lung cancer.
B)black lung disease.
C)brown lung disease.
D)bronchitis.

Question 50

Which of the following is TRUE about U.S.water systems?

A)No Americans have died from contaminated water in the last 10 years.
B)Hazardous chemicals from manufacturing do not infiltrate water systems in the United States.
C)In most areas of the United States,water systems supply adequate,dependable,and safe water.
D)Water shortages are not a concern in the United States.

Question 51

Sanitary landfills are primarily used to dispose of

A)radioactive waste.
B)solid waste.
C)sewage.
D)recyclables.

Question 52

According to the World Health Organization,approximately ______ people do not have access to safe drinking water.

A)1 million
B)6 million
C)1 billion
D)3 billion

Question 53

Which of the following is NOT considered a recommendation for reducing garbage?

A)Avoid using paper cups by bringing your own china coffee mug to work.
B)Buy products with the least amount of packaging.
C)Use foil or plastic wraps to store food.
D)Start a compost pile for your organic garbage.

Question 54

Sewage sludge is sometimes used as a fertilizer,unless it is contaminated with

A)heavy metals.
B)high concentrations of water purifiers.
C)high concentrations of fluoride.
D)agricultural chemicals.

Question 55

The water treatment that helps reduce tooth decay is

A)filtration.
B)disinfection.
C)chlorination.
D)fluoridation.

Question 56

Sewage contains primarily

A)human feces.
B)heavy metals.
C)paper waste.
D)radioactive waste.

Question 57

A self-contained sewage disposal system is a

A)slush system.
B)sluice system.
C)septic system.
D)drain fielD.

Question 58

In the United States,the biggest component of household trash by weight is

A)plastics.
B)paper products.
C)lawn waste.
D)metals.

Question 59

Which of the following is NOT considered "e-waste"?

A)old computers
B)old televisions
C)used computer paper
D)old cell phones

Question 60

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

A)taking showers instead of baths.
B)watering lawns and garden plants in mid-afternoon.
C)fixing leaky faucets.
D)not pouring old medicines down the drain.

Question 61

The field of environmental health grew out of efforts to control communicable disease.

Question 62

The United States has a relatively small percentage of the world's population but uses one-fourth of the world's energy.

Question 63

A naturally occurring metal found in some foods and consumer products that has been linked to brain,kidney,and gastrointestinal tract damage is

A)mercury.
B)silver.
C)aluminum.
D)iron.

Question 64

Sulfur dioxide is produced primarily by motor vehicles.

Question 65

Which of the following statements about poverty and health is FALSE?

A)Residents living in poor neighborhoods are often exposed to more environmental toxins than residents living in wealthier communities.
B)Poor neighborhoods are common sites for hazardous waste pollution.
C)Studies show that children from wealthy families have higher concentrations of lead in their blood than do children from poor families.
D)Asthma is a growing problem in poor families.

Question 66

When toxic or potentially toxic substances build up in the food chain,the process is called

A)vector transmission.
B)biomagnification.
C)bioloading.
D)radiation sickness.

Question 67

The term smog was first used in the early twentieth century to describe the combination of smoke and fog.

Question 68

The pesticide DDT contributed to the control of

A)insect-borne disease in tropical countries.
B)Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
C)smallpox.
D)diphtheria.

Question 69

The warming of the earth due to buildup of carbon dioxide and other gases is termed the greenhouse effect.

Question 70

Eating large amounts of which of the following foods can expose you to high levels of mercury?

A)beef
B)pork
C)chicken
D)fish

Question 71

Smog is more likely to occur during warm and sunny weather.

Question 72

DDT was banned in the United States in 1972 after it was

A)found to have a negative impact on reptiles,fish,and birds.
B)blamed for several child deaths in a farming community in British Columbia.
C)connected with cancer diagnoses in agricultural communities across America.
D)tested by the Food and Drug Administration.

Question 73

Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas.

Question 74

Which one of the following statements about the effects of noise is FALSE?

A)Permanent hearing loss can occur from prolonged exposure to sounds above 80-85 decibels.
B)Children may suffer damage to their hearing at noise levels lower than when adults would suffer damage.
C)Permanent hearing loss occurs within the first 2 hours of exposure to sounds above 60 decibels.
D)OSHA sets legal standards for noise levels in the workplace.

Question 75

In the upper atmosphere,ozone is a harmful pollutant;at ground level,it is beneficial.

Question 76

The form of radiation that poses the most serious risk to human health is ______ radiation.

A)microwave
B)infrared
C)gamma
D)X-ray

Question 77

Pollen is a contributor to air pollution.

Question 78

Most of the world's energy comes from nonrenewable sources.

Question 79

Which of the following pollutants causes central nervous system damage and mental impairment and is a particular risk for children living in older buildings?

A)asbestos
B)carbon monoxide
C)formaldehyde gas
D)lead

Question 80

Which of the following is NOT considered a recommendation for reducing chemical pollution?

A)using nontoxic,nonpetrochemical personal and household products
B)disposing of household hazardous wastes properly
C)storing toxic household products out of the reach of children and pets
D)buying meat,poultry,and produce grown outside your local area