Question 1

Mercury can undergo biological magnification; it accumulates as it moves up the food chain. Based on this information, we would classify mercury as a

Accepted Answer

Mercury is classified as a fat-soluble toxin because it accumulates in the fatty tissues of organisms as it moves up the food chain, a process known as biological magnification.

Question 2

Which of the following would be considered a geological hazard?

Accepted Answer

All of these options are considered geological hazards. A tsunami is a series of ocean waves with very long wavelengths caused by large-scale disturbances of the ocean, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, glacier calvings, or more rarely by meteorite impacts in the ocean. A mudslide, also known as a mudflow or debris flow, involves a down-slope movement of soil and rock under the influence of gravity, which can be triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or other factors. While hurricanes are primarily atmospheric phenomena, they can cause significant geological hazards such as storm surges, flooding, and coastal erosion.

Question 3

The deforestation of landscapes and higher amounts of rainfall in some areas can increase the risk of

Accepted Answer

Deforestation can destabilize the soil, making areas more susceptible to landslides, especially during heavy rainfall. The removal of vegetation reduces the soil's ability to absorb water, increasing runoff and the risk of landslides.

Question 4

Which type of geological hazard is MOST common along fault lines of Earth's crust?

Accepted Answer

Earthquakes are most common along fault lines because they occur due to the movement of tectonic plates at these boundaries.

Question 5

A tsunami typically starts in what location?

Accepted Answer

Tsunamis typically start in the ocean, often caused by underwater earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, or landslides.

Question 6

Visible light, infrared, and microwaves are all examples of

Accepted Answer

Visible light, infrared, and microwaves are all forms of electromagnetic radiation, which is energy that travels and spreads out as it goes. They are not ionizing energy, ultraviolet light, or physical hazards in themselves.

Question 7

Ionizing radiation is particularly harmful because

Accepted Answer

Ionizing radiation is harmful because it has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, creating ions. This process can damage living tissue and DNA in cells, leading to mutations, cancer, and cell death.

Question 8

Why is a test needed to determine if a home has high levels of radon?

Accepted Answer

Radon is an odorless and tasteless gas, making it undetectable without a specific test. It can indeed be mitigated by proper venting techniques. Moreover, prolonged exposure to high levels of radon is known to significantly increase the risk of lung cancer, making it crucial to test for and address radon presence in homes.

Question 9

What is the source of ultraviolet radiation, including UVA and UVB?

Accepted Answer

The primary source of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, including both UVA and UVB rays, is the Sun. UV radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation that comes from the Sun and is also produced by some artificial sources, such as welding torches and tanning beds. However, when considering natural sources, the Sun is the predominant source.

Question 10

Which event is typically associated with abnormal snowmelt?

Accepted Answer

Flooding is typically associated with abnormal snowmelt because when temperatures rise quickly or significantly, the snow can melt at a faster rate than usual, leading to an excess of water that rivers, streams, and drainage systems may not be able to handle, causing overflow and flooding in affected areas.

Question 11

How can a storm surge differ from typical flooding?

Accepted Answer

A storm surge is a rise in sea level caused by high winds and low pressure. It can cause flooding in coastal areas, even if there is no rain.

Question 12

In July 2019, many European countries experienced record high temperatures, with Paris, France, reaching 42.6°C (108.7°F). These high temperatures remained for several days. This is an example of a

Accepted Answer

Heat waves are prolonged periods of excessively hot weather, which may be accompanied by high humidity. The record high temperatures in Paris and other European countries in July 2019 are characteristic of a heat wave.

Question 13

Drought is associated with precipitation and evaporation.

Accepted Answer

Drought is associated with low precipitation and high evaporation, leading to reduced water availability.

Question 14

When most states set their goals for vaccination rates, they are usually between 85 and 90%. Why aren't these goals set at 100% in order to prevent preventable diseases?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When most states set their goals for...

Question 15

Describe the arguments for and against the use of DDT in developing countries. Be sure to include at least one argument for and one argument against its use.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

A phrase that is often used in toxicology is "the dose makes the poison." Describe one example of this from your own experience or from the chapter.

Accepted Answer

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Question 17

How can exposure to ultraviolet radiation be limited or prevented?

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Why is radon found in the basement of homes?

Accepted Answer

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Quiz 17: Environmental Health and Justice: How Does Our Environment Affect Our Health