APES: Chapters 14, 15, 16, 17

Which is NOT correct about the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome? a. The virus is spread by an airborne pathogen. b. The virus is spread through sexual contact. c. HIV/AIDS first appeared in Africa. d. More than 30 million people worldwide are infected with HIV. e. Symptoms of HIV/AIDS include a rare type of pneumonia.

The virus is spread by an airborne pathogen.

A used plastic water bottle is recycled and processed into a new water bottle that is resold. This is an example of a. organic recycling. b. e-waste. c. composting. d. closed-loop recycling. e. open-loop recycling.

closed-loop recycling.

In developed countries, reducing disease is best promoted by a. increasing the availability of clean drinking water and sanitation. b. consuming a caloric excess in order to protect the body from infectious diseases. c. healthier lifestyle choices such as limiting excess food consumption and tobacco use. d. increasing the income of the nation's residents. e. giving people better access to research on the spread of disease.

healthier lifestyle choices such as limiting excess food consumption and tobacco use.

One of the ten leading health risks in high-income countries is a. malnutrition. b. indoor smoke. c. high blood pressure. d. HIV. e. unsafe drinking water.

high blood pressure.

A study was conducted on a new herbicide and the ED50 for mice was determined to be 40 mg/kg. What would be the concentration deemed safe for humans by the EPA? a. 40 mg/kg b. 20 mg/kg c. 4 mg/kg d. 0.2 mg/kg e. 0.04 mg/kg

0.04 mg/kg

A scientist measures an LD50 value for a pesticide to be 200 mg/kg of mass for a rat. Using this LD50 value, what amount of pesticide would be considered safe for accidental human ingestion? a. 200 mg/kg of mass b. 20 mg/kg of mass c. 2 mg/kg of mass d. 1 mg/kg of mass e. 0.2 mg/kg of mass

0.2 mg/kg of mass

Use Figure 17-3. According to the EPA guidelines, what would be the concentration at which this chemical should cause no harm to most animals? a. 0.1 hypothetical unit b. 0.55 hypothetical unit c. 1 hypothetical unit d. 5.5 hypothetical units e. 10 hypothetical units

0.55 hypothetical unit

Given a feedlot of about 1,200 cows, if an individual cow produces about 50 liters of manure a day, how many liters of manure would be produced in a month's time? a. 60 kL b. 600 kL c. 180 kL d. 1,800 L e. 1,800 kL

1,800 kL

The typical U.S. resident produces an average of 5 pounds of MSW every day. What is the approximate amount of waste generated per day by the approximately 310 million people in the United States? a. 1.6 ×107 pounds b. 1.6 ×108 pounds c. 1.6 ×109 pounds d. 1.6 ×1010 pounds e. 1.6 ×1011 pounds

1.6 ×109 pounds

After reading about the dangers of PCBs, you find out that 1/4 of fish in a nearby river have dangerous levels of PCBs within their tissues. A local fish store sells fish, and claims that 1/3 of the fish in the store come from the contaminated lake. Assuming that you are going to the store to buy a fish for dinner, what is the inherent risk of consuming a fish with high levels of PCBs from the contaminated stream? a. 1/3 b. 1/4 c. 1/7 d. 1/12 e. 1/16

1/12

Use Figure 17-3. The threshold of the hypothetical chemical is approximately a. 1 hypothetical unit. b. 3 hypothetical units. c. 5.5 hypothetical units. d. 8 hypothetical units. e. 10 hypothetical units.

3 hypothetical units.

Using Figure 17-3, the threshold dose is approximately _______ and the LD50 is approximately __________. a. 0 mg/kg; 5.5 mg/kg b. 1 mg/kg; 6 mg/kg c. 3 mg/kg; 5.5 mg/kg d. 3 mg/kg; 50 mg/kg e. 5 mg/kg; 8 mg/kg

3 mg/kg; 5.5 mg/kg

Use Table 17-1. What is the combined percentage of child deaths in low-income countries attributable to either vitamin A deficiency or zinc deficiency? a. 12.7 percent b. 7.8 percent c. 3.7 percent d. 1.8 percent e. 1.5 percent

3.7 percent

Use Figure 17-3. The LD50 of the hypothetical chemical is approximately a. 3 hypothetical units. b. 4.5 hypothetical units. c. 5.5 hypothetical units. d. 7 hypothetical units. e. 10 hypothetical units.

5.5 hypothetical units.

The Clean Skies Initiative proposed an SO2 emissions reduction from 11 million tons in 2002 to 4.5 million tons in 2010. What was the proposed total percentage decrease of SO2 emissions? a. 6.5 percent b. 41 percent c. 47 percent d. 59 percent e. 65 percent

59 percent

Which item would most likely end up in the waste stream soonest? a. An electric can opener b. A paper cup c. An antique chair d. A ceramic plate e. A pair of jeans

A paper cup

Which is NOT a source of endocrine disruptors in the environment? a. Wastewater from animal-rearing facilities b. Acid deposition c. DDT d. Municipal wastewater e. Atrazine

Acid deposition

Which type of study lasts for 1 to 4 days and measures mortality of organisms as a response to a dose of a chemical? a. Acute studies b. Biomagnification studies c. Prospective studies d. Chronic studies e. Retrospective studies

Acute studies

Which harmful substance was once commonly used as insulation? a. Asbestos b. Mercury c. Lead d. Radon e. Ozone

Asbestos

Which is a known carcinogen? a. Asbestos b. Lead c. Atrazine d. Thalidomide e. DDT

Asbestos

Use Figure 16-2. Which country has about 60 percent of its MSW recycled or composted, 30 percent disposed of in a landfill, and about 10 percent incinerated? a. Germany b. Italy c. Austria d. Belgium e. Netherlands

Austria

Which pollutant bonds with hemoglobin and interferes with O2 transport in the blood stream? a. CO2 b. CO c. O3 d. NO e. PM

CO

Of the following risks to human health, which causes the most human deaths? a. Consumer risks b. Chemical risks c. Biological risks d. Personal risks e. Physical risks

Biological risks

The class of anthropogenic compounds responsible for the breakdown of stratospheric ozone are known as a. VOCs. b. CFCs. c. VFCs. d. COX. e. FCCs.

CFCs.

Which was NOT a target of early air pollution legislation in the United States? a. NOX emissions b. CO2 emissions c. Open burning of garbage d. Sulfur content in fuel e. Emissions from industrial smokestacks

CO2 emissions

Which component of a landfill impedes water flow and can trap metal ions? a. Clay liner b. Leachate c. Solid waste d. Methane e. Toxic metals

Clay liner

Which is the correct sequence of the events that lead to acid deposition? a. Dissociation of pollutants, secondary pollutants are formed, combustion releases SO2 and NOX, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil b. Combustion releases SO2 and NOX, secondary pollutants are formed, dissociation of pollutants, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil c. Combustion releases SO2 and NOX, dissociation of pollutants, secondary pollutants are formed, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil d. Combustion releases SO2 and NOX, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil, secondary pollutants are formed, dissociation of pollutants e. Dissociation of pollutants, combustion releases SO2 and NOX, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil, secondary pollutants are formed

Combustion releases SO2 and NOX, secondary pollutants are formed, dissociation of pollutants, deposition of ions on vegetation or soil

Which is NOT a negative environmental effect of using high-pressure water hoses on rocky coastlines to clean spilled oil? a. Removal of fine-grained sediment b. Displacement of native plant life c. Washing away microorganisms d. Cost of energy to heat water e. Organisms unable to recolonize the coastline

Cost of energy to heat water

Use Figure 16-2. Which country likely generates the most toxic ash from its MSW treatment? a. Spain b. Portugal c. Germany d. Luxembourg e. Denmark

Denmark

What is the dose that causes 50 percent of individuals to display a non-lethal effect? a. SL50 b. SE50 c. SLE50 d. LD50 e. ED50

ED50

Which is NOT correct about emergent infectious diseases? a. The rapid movement of people can cause unexpected pandemics. b. Emerging infectious diseases are caused primarily by mutations of known viruses. c. Many emerging infectious diseases come from pathogens that jump from animal hosts to humans. d. Emergent infectious diseases can mutate rapidly to infect humans. e. Since the 1970s, an average of one new emergent disease has appeared each year.

Emerging infectious diseases are caused primarily by mutations of known viruses.

Which is NOT a characteristic of gasoline that makes it a VOC? a. Gasoline evaporates at a typical atmospheric temperature. b. Gasoline has a strong smell. c. Gasoline is a hydrocarbon. d. Gasoline is a hazardous compound. e. Gasoline is an organic compound.

Gasoline is a hazardous compound.

Which explains the rise of MSW generated by individuals in developing countries? a. Growing populations and the increase in disposable income of individuals b. Growing populations of young people and urbanization c. Growing populations and increased numbers of individuals in the work force d. Growing populations and the mass production of consumer goods for developed countries e. Stable populations and their increase in disposable income of individuals

Growing populations and the mass production of consumer goods for developed countries

Catalytic converters in cars have been instrumental in removing which of the following pollutants from vehicle emissions? I. NOX II. CO III. SO4 2- a. I only b. II only c. I and II d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and II

Large urban areas that experience high levels of particulates in the air also tend to experience I. rates of respiratory illness above the national average. II. limited visibility. III. decreased water quality. a. I only b. II only c. I and II d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and II

Methods used to remove spilled oil from the surface of the ocean include I. containment boom and oil vacuums. II. chemical dispersants. III. large screens. a. I only b. II only c. I and II d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and II

Which factor is considered when determining whether to landfill MSW or incinerate it? I. Type of pollution preferred II. Amount of tipping fees III. Availability of open dumps a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II e. I, II, and III

I and II

Which is an environmental benefit of recycling aluminum? I. Reduces the effects on the land from mining II. Reduces the effects of leaching in landfills III. Reduces the energy required to transport and process mined ore a. I only b. II only c. I and II d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and II

Sulfur dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere through I. volcanic eruptions. II. transpiration. III. the combustion of coal. a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and III

The Clean Water Act I. protects surface waters. II. protects groundwater. III. protects the diversity of aquatic species. a. I only b. II only c. I and II d. I and III e. I, II, and III

I and III

Sediment pollution can influence waterways by I. increasing the turbidity and cloudiness of the water. II. reducing sunlight penetration and thereby decreasing productivity of aquatic plants. III. clogging gills of fish and bottom dwellers. a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II e. I, II, and III

I, II, and III

Which is a type of wastewater? I. Sewage water from toilets II. Water from showering and bathing III. Water from washing clothes a. I only b. II only c. III only d. I and II e. I, II, and III

I, II, and III

Which of the following factors affects the amount of MSW generated by individuals? I. Socioeconomic status II. Geographic location within the country III. Time of year a. I only b. II only c. I and III d. II and III e. I, II, and III

I, II, and III

Human wastewater entering into bodies of water such as rivers or lakes can be dangerous because? I. it causes a drop in the biological oxygen demand. II. it can lead to cultural eutrophication. III. the wastewater can carry pathogens. a. I only b. II only c. III only d. II and III e. I, II, and III

II and III

Which is an environmental cost of moving contaminating industries from developed countries to developing countries? I. Better jobs II. Human exposure to contaminants III. Additional pollution in the developing country a. I only b. II only c. I and III d. II and III e. I, II, and III

II and III

Which is NOT associated with the thinning ozone layer? a. Increased incidences of asthma b. Increased incidences of skin cancer c. Increased incidences of cataracts d. Reduction in photosynthetic activity in plants e. Suppressed immune system

Increased incidences of asthma

Where are the majority of cities with the worst air pollution located? a. China and Russia b. India and China c. China and the United States d. India and Brazil e. Mexico and the United States

India and China

Which is NOT a typical strategy for reducing ground-level pollutants? a. Installing scrubbers on automobiles b. Restricting automobile use c. Expanding public transportation networks d. Adding carpool lanes on interstates e. Charging user fees on certain roads during high volume times

Installing scrubbers on automobiles

Which does NOT describe radon-222? a. It is a radioactive gas that occurs from the natural decay of uranium. b. It seeps into homes through cracks in the foundation or soil. c. Its effects can be reduced by increasing ventilation. d. It binds with hemoglobin in the blood and can lead to death. e. It exists in the igneous rock granite all around the world.

It binds with hemoglobin in the blood and can lead to death.

Which is NOT a characteristic of NOX? a. It occurs as NO2 and NO gases. b. It occurs as a product of combustion in the atmosphere. c. Fossil fuel combustion is the primary anthropogenic source. d. It contributes to the production of stratospheric ozone. e. It contributes to the production of photochemical smog.

It contributes to the production of stratospheric ozone.

Which is NOT a characteristic of CO? a. It is a product of respiration. b. It is an odorless, colorless gas. c. It is a product of incomplete combustion. d. It is a common vehicle emission. e. It can be a dangerous indoor pollutant.

It is a product of respiration.

Which of the following is NOT true regarding the Chesapeake Bay? a. It is one of many small estuaries along the east coast of the United States. b. A large amount of sediment travels down the watershed into the bay. c. It receives anthropogenic chemicals that adversely affect the local fish populations. d. It receives nutrients from sewage treatment facilities. e. It experiences algal blooms from the fertilizers used on the land in its watershed.

It is one of many small estuaries along the east coast of the United States.

Which is NOT a characteristic of SO2? a. It is a respiratory irritant. b. It can adversely affect plant tissues. c. Its sources are exclusively anthropogenic. d. It results from the combustion of coal and oil. e. It is a corrosive gas.

Its sources are exclusively anthropogenic.

Which is the correct order of the events leading to cultural eutrophication? a. Leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands, fish die-off, algal bloom b. Leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands, algal bloom, fish die-off c. Fish die-off, algal bloom, leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands d. Fish die-off, leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands, algal bloom e. Algal bloom, fish die-off, leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands

Leaching of nutrients from fertilized agricultural lands, algal bloom, fish die-off

Which toxic substance can be found in the water of buildings with old plumbing systems? a. Lead b. Radon c. Mercury d. Arsenic e. Methane

Lead

Which is NOT a characteristic of a dead zone? a. A reduced number of shellfish b. Fish die-off events c. Low oxygen concentrations in the water d. Low nitrogen concentrations e. A reduced number of marine plant species

Low nitrogen concentrations

What disease is caused by mutated bovine prions? a. Bubonic plague b. Malaria c. Ebola d. Mad cow disease e. Tuberculosis

Mad cow disease

Which would NOT be classified as hazardous waste? a. Manure based fertilizer b. Dry cleaner fluid c. Car batteries d. Insecticides e. Jet fuel

Manure based fertilizer

Which air pollutant is a metal, released primarily from the combustion of coal? a. Lead b. Mercury c. Arsenic d. Sulfur e. Iron

Mercury

Which is a heavy metal associated with burning coal? a. Lead b. Uranium c. Sulfur d. Mercury e. Carbon

Mercury

Which is NOT true about Superfund sites? a. Superfund sites are registered on the National Priorities List kept by the EPA. b. Superfund sites in a state do not include all contaminated sites of that state. c. Superfund sites are designated as those posing the greatest risk to human health. d. Superfund sites may be remediated and then removed from the National Priorities List. e. Most Superfund sites can be found in the Rocky Mountains.

Most Superfund sites can be found in the Rocky Mountains

Which is an anthropogenic source of nitrogen oxides? a. Nuclear fission b. Combustion of natural gas c. Volcanic eruptions d. Lightning e. Motor vehicles

Motor vehicles

Which is NOT an unintended effect of synthetic pesticide use? a. The pesticide may be lethal to nontarget species as well as target species. b. Pesticide use leads to an altered species composition of the community. c. Inert ingredients may be harmful to non-target species. d. Human exposure may be detrimental to health. e. Nearby streams may become more acidic.

Nearby streams may become more acidic.

Which is NOT an environmental advantage of septic tanks? a. Gravity is used to move the water. b. Water is returned to the local environment. c. Sewage is broken down by natural means. d. No byproducts of water treatment remain. e. Harmful pathogens can be degraded by soil microorganisms.

No byproducts of water treatment remain.

Which is a class of carcinogens formerly used in the production of plastics? a. Reproductive hormones b. DDT c. PCBs d. PBDEs e. Perchlorates

PCBs

Which is the largest component of MSW in the United States? a. Paper b. Yard trimmings c. Metal d. Plastic e. Wood

Paper

Which represents the largest composition of U.S. MSW that is recovered? a. Paper b. Plastics c. E-waste d. Food scraps e. Metals

Paper

Which are the 6 criteria air pollutants specified under the Clean Air Act? a. Pb, SO2, NOX, CO, PM, and tropospheric O3 b. Tropospheric O3, SO2, NOX, PM, Pb, and CO2 c. SO2, NOX, Hg, Pb, PM, and O3 d. SO4, NOX, CO, PM, Pb, and tropospheric O3 e. SO2, NOX, CO, Hg, PM, and tropospheric O3

Pb, SO2, NOX, CO, PM, and tropospheric O3

Which chemical used in rocket fuel affects the thyroid gland? a. Perchlorates b. PCBs c. PBDEs d. Reproductive hormones e. DDT

Perchlorates

Which is the most significant contributor to the modern "throw away society?" a. Landfill technology b. Labor saving appliances c. Transmission lines that provided electricity to the majority of homes d. Planned obsolescence e. Disposable income in developing countries

Planned obsolescence

In order from the most desirable to the least desirable, what do the 3 Rs stand for? a. Recycle, Reuse, Reduce b. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse c. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle d. Reduce, Recycle, Reuse e. Reuse, Reduce, Recycle

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Which is NOT an environmental benefit of composting? a. Reduced volume of material ending up in a landfill b. Generation of rich organic fertilizer c. Reduction in work force of waste management company d. Reduced amount of methane generated in landfills e. Reduced amount of energy needed to transport material to a landfill

Reduction in work force of waste management company

Which U.S. legislation is designed to track hazardous waste from cradle to grave? a. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act b. Clean Water Act c. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act d. National Priorities List e. National Environmental Policies Act

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Which U.S. legislation protects human health and the environment by reducing source hazardous waste? a. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act b. National Environmental Policies Act c. Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act d. National Priorities List e. Clean Water Act

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Which is an example of a nonpoint source of water pollution? a. Waste overflow from a water treatment plant due to excessive rains b. Mercury emissions from coal-burning power plants c. Runoff from sprayed agricultural fields d. Garbage dumped at an abandoned landfill e. Acid drainage from an abandoned mine

Runoff from sprayed agricultural fields

Which strategy would NOT help reduce the overall environmental impact of MSW? a. Ship e-waste to developing countries b. Compost food waste generated c. Assemble materials in a way that makes them easy to separate d. Change product packaging to use less material e. Produce a product that can be easily recycled

Ship e-waste to developing countries

Which is a phenomenon associated with the buildup of toxic compounds and pollutants in an airtight space? a. Sealed building syndrome b. Synthetic building syndrome c. Sick building syndrome d. Sick worker syndrome e. Insulated building sick worker syndrome

Sick building syndrome

What is the first step of treating wastewater at a municipal sewage treatment plant? a. Bacteria breaks down organic matter. b. Solid waste material settles out. c. Pathogens are killed with ultraviolet light or chemicals. d. Water is removed from sludge. e. Water undergoes aeration to reduce offensive odors.

Solid waste material settles out.

Use Table 17-1. Which risk connected to malnutrition causes the most deaths in middle-income countries? a. Childhood underweight b. Suboptimal breastfeeding c. Vitamin A deficiency d. Zinc deficiency e. Iron deficiency

Suboptimal breastfeeding

What substance is believed to be responsible for the development of eggs in the testes of some male fish? a. DDT b. PBDEs c. Perchlorates d. Synthetic estrogens e. PCBs

Synthetic estrogens

Which is NOT a carcinogen? a. Asbestos b. Formaldehyde c. Chemicals found in tobacco d. Thalidomide e. Radon

Thalidomide

Which U.S. legislation empowers the EPA to establish maximum contaminant levels in drinking water? a. The Clean Water Act b. The Superfund Act c. The Clean Air Act d. The MCL Act e. The Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act

When conducting a life-cycle analysis of manufactured goods which of the following would NOT be considered? a. The amount of raw material required b. The amount of energy needed to transport the material c. The amount of money the product will cost d. The chemicals used in the manufacture of the goods e. The disposal of the product

The amount of money the product will cost

Which is not true of tuberculosis? a. Not everyone who is infected develops the disease. b. The disease is passed through airborne transmission. c. Symptoms of the disease include weakness and coughing up blood. d. Lack of treatment compliance has led to antibiotic resistant strains of the disease. e. The disease is only found in the developing world.

The disease is only found in the developing world.

Use Figure 17-3. Consider the point on the curve where the two dashed lines intersect. What does this point NOT represent? a. The dose at which 50 percent of the test subjects die b. The dose that kills the entire population c. The LD50 d. A dose at which scientists can compare this chemical's lethality to other chemicals e. The relative toxicity of the chemical on a specific group of species

The dose that kills the entire population

Which is least likely to be a danger associated with leachate from a sanitary landfill? a. The leachate can leak into nearby soils. b. The leachate can leak into groundwater. c. The leachate can contain toxic metal compounds. d. The leachate can raise the local temperature. e. The leachate can be classified as toxic waste and require special treatment.

The leachate can raise the local temperature.

How do the health risk factors compare for people in developing nations and people in developed nations? a. The primary health risk factors in developing nations are obesity and poor sanitation, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are high blood pressure and poor nutrition. b. The primary health risk factors in developing nations are poor sanitation and sedentary lifestyles, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are poor indoor air quality and obesity. c. The primary health risk factors in developing nations are sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are high blood pressure and poor urban air quality. d. The primary health risk factors in developing nations are malnutrition and poor sanitation, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are high blood pressure and obesity. e. The primary health risk factors in developing nations are malnutrition and availability of tobacco, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are poor nutrition and poor sanitation.

The primary health risk factors in developing nations are malnutrition and poor sanitation, while the primary health risk factors in developed nations are high blood pressure and obesity.

When siting a sanitary landfill, which factor could create a situation of environmental injustice? a. The proximity to drinking water resources b. The type of soil c. The proximity to people without the resources to mount effective opposition d. The amount of energy that will be required to transport the MSW to the landfill e. The proximity to farmland

The proximity to people without the resources to mount effective opposition

What is the benefit of using water for an industrial process in a closed system in which the hot water is cooled in a tower and then recycled for heating again? a. Thermal pollution is reduced by not releasing heated water into a local waterway. b. The ambient temperature of the local area is not raised by the release of steam. c. There is less need for cogeneration because the plant has its own source of steam. d. There is less precipitation because water is not released. e. Noise pollution is reduced because of containment.

Thermal pollution is reduced by not releasing heated water into a local waterway.

Which best describes fat-soluble chemicals in the environment? a. They are never subject to biomagnification. b. They are easily excreted by animals. c. They are found in higher concentrations bound to soils. d. They are deposited via acid deposition. e. They are prevalent in surface waters.

They are found in higher concentrations bound to soils.

How do CFCs affect ozone production? a. UV radiation frees a chlorine atom, which breaks down ozone. b. Infrared radiation frees a chlorine atom, which breaks down ozone. c. UV radiation frees a fluorine atom, which breaks down ozone. d. Infrared radiation frees a chlorine atom, which breaks down ozone. e. UV radiation frees a carbon atom, which breaks down ozone.

UV radiation frees a chlorine atom, which breaks down ozone.

Which is NOT a strategy a town should use to implement integrated waste management? a. Use taxes to pay for tipping fees incurred by residents b. Offer curbside recycling to residents c. Attract businesses that utilize source reduction in their manufacturing processes d. Offer mulch to its residents at no cost e. Maintain a hazardous waste collection site for residents

Use taxes to pay for tipping fees incurred by residents

The nuclear accident at Chernobyl in 1986 has provided scientists with data on the effects of radiation on humans. This study of radiation sickness and thyroid cancers would be best classified as a. a retrospective study. b. a chronic study. c. an acute study. d. a prospective study. e. an LD50 study.

a retrospective study.

Ozone is formed in the atmosphere as a result of the combination of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. This ozone is... a. a secondary pollutant. b. a primary pollutant. c. nitrogen smog. d. photochemical smog. e. particulate matter.

a secondary pollutant.

Your friend decides to burn household trash rather than sending it to a landfill. Your friend uses the heat generated by the incineration to warm a water heater adjacent to the incinerator. This is an example of a. a waste-to-energy system. b. closed-loop recycling. c. open-loop recycling. d. compaction. e. hydroelectricity.

a waste-to-energy system.

You have a friend who has breathing difficulties and hives when consuming peanuts. In this example, peanuts would be considered a(n) a. allergen. b. antihistamine. c. pathogen. d. mutagen. e. disruptor.

allergen.

Acid deposition from SO2 emissions occurs a. as acid rain, acid snow, or dry-acid deposition. b. as acid rain only. c. as acid rain and acid snow. d. as gasses that harm the ozone layer. e. only as particles that attach to the surfaces of plants.

as acid rain, acid snow, or dry-acid deposition.

An economic benefit of non-toxic fly ash production at a waste incinerator is that the ash may a. be treated with a weak acid. b. be added to a landfill. c. be used in the production of cement blocks and cement flooring. d. require special toxic handling. e. be used in the production of plastic.

be used in the production of cement blocks and cement flooring.

A trout is continually exposed to an oil-soluble chemical. Over time, the concentration of the chemical within the trout increases. This is an example of a. PCB persistence. b. synergistic properties. c. biomagnification. d. bioaccumulation. e. synergistic interactions.

bioaccumulation.

A fast food restaurant that normally uses plastic utensils is considering switching to reusable metal utensils. In order to conduct a life-cycle analysis of waste the restaurant would a. compare the cost of plastic utensils to the cost of reusable utensils. b. compare the waste generated from plastic utensils to the waste generated from the production, use, and disposal of the metal utensils. c. compare the daily waste generated from plastic utensils to the daily waste generated in by the metal utensils. d. give customers the choice of plastic or metal utensils in order to understand how customer behavior affects waste generation. e. determine the cost of disposing of metal utensils versus the cost of disposing of plastic utensils.

compare the waste generated from plastic utensils to the waste generated from the production, use, and disposal of the metal utensils

A thermal inversion, which can lead to serious pollution events, occurs when a. warm air rises, taking pollutants with it. b. warm air close to the surface is blanketed by a layer of cool air that traps pollutants. c. cool air rises, taking the pollutants with it. d. cool air stays close to the surface but pollutants rise into the atmosphere. e. cool air close to the surface is blanketed by a layer of warm air that traps pollutants.

cool air close to the surface is blanketed by a layer of warm air that traps pollutants.

The two main human derived sources of carbon dioxide are a. combustion of fossil fuels and mining emissions. b. deforestation and combustion of fossil fuels. c. transpiration and volcanic eruptions. d. respiration and deforestation. e. the incomplete combustion of fossils fuels and deforestation.

deforestation and combustion of fossil fuels.

The major source of indoor air pollution in developing countries is a. synthetic materials in construction of buildings. b. indoor cooking with biomass as a fuel. c. release of radon-222 gas. d. lead based paints on furniture and walls. e. cigarette smoke.

indoor cooking with biomass as a fuel.

Mercury is especially dangerous to the general public because a. it accumulates as it moves up the aquatic food chain. b. it leaches out of incinerated household waste. c. there are no emissions regulations for mercury in the United States. d. it causes damage to the respiratory systems of infants. e. it occurs naturally in bedrock.

it accumulates as it moves up the aquatic food chain.

Ground level ozone is classified as a pollutant because it reduces lung function and a. its concentrations are low but the particle size is high. b. it occurs in the atmosphere only. c. it is entirely anthropogenic in nature. d. it can degrade plant surfaces. e. it is an unstable molecule.

it can degrade plant surfaces.

The greatest proportion of oil found in the world's oceans is caused by a. oil-producing algae populations. b. consumption of oil. c. natural oceanic seeps. d. extraction of oil. e. transportation of oil.

natural oceanic seeps.

Heavy metals that pose a threat to individuals when found in the environment belong to the class of chemicals called a. carcinogens. b. neurotoxins. c. teratogens. d. allergens. e. endocrine disrupters.

neurotoxins.

Most insecticides impair nerve transmission in insects. This category of chemical is known as a. teratogens. b. allergens. c. neurotoxins. d. endocrine disrupters. e. carcinogens.

neurotoxins.

Photochemical smog is largely composed of ______________, and sulfurous smog is largely composed of ____________. a. oxidants; sulfate compounds b. carbon monoxide; sulfate compounds c. carbon dioxide; sulfur dioxide d. sulfates; particular matter e. haze; industrial chemicals

oxidants; sulfate compounds

Humans tend to make ____________ judgments that consider the _________ likelihood of an event occurring. a. quantitative; perceived b. qualitative; perceived c. quantitative; actual d. qualitative; actual e. qualitative; statistical

qualitative; perceived

The material rotating in the North Pacific Ocean is composed of a. solid waste, mostly plastics. b. organic waste dumped from cruise ships. c. medical waste dumped by multiple nations. d. coal slag dumped by China. e. solid waste from countries without adequate landfills.

solid waste, mostly plastics.

A company that produces laundry detergent switches from plastic bottles to flexible pouches that require 84 percent less packaging. This is an example of a. source reduction. b. closed-loop reduction. c. single-loop reduction. d. cost analysis reduction. e. life-cycle analysis.

source reduction.

Before a landfill is sealed and capped a. water is added to the landfill to speed up composting. b. paper is added to the landfill to be recycled. c. specialized trucks compact materials to decrease the volume. d. grasses are planted on top of the landfill to prevent erosion. e. extra nitrogen is added to the landfill to promote composting.

specialized trucks compact materials to decrease the volume.

Beneficial ozone is ____ and the dangerous ozone is ____. a. O2, O3 b. O3, O2 c. O3, CFC d. tropospheric, stratospheric e. stratospheric, tropospheric

stratospheric, tropospheric

A municipality considering measures to decrease local air pollution would achieve the largest decrease from a. switching city vehicles to natural gas from gasoline. b. a voluntary recycling program. c. limiting the new businesses start-ups in the area. d. constructing new landfills. e. requiring specific materials be used in the manufacture of new homes.

switching city vehicles to natural gas from gasoline.

The components of e-waste include a. paper, plastics, and electronic containers. b. cell phones, plastics, and yard waste. c. televisions, tablets, and cell phones. d. food scraps, metals, and remotes. e. industrial goods, mining waste, and computers.

televisions, tablets, and cell phones.

To decrease the likelihood of cultural eutrophication from the effluent released from a water treatment facility, sewage plants may include a... a. secondary treatment, using bacteria to breakdown algae. b. secondary treatment, using ozone for disinfection. c. secondary treatment, removing nitrogen and phosphorous. d. tertiary treatment, removing nitrogen and phosphorous. e. tertiary treatment, using bacteria to break down algae.

tertiary treatment, removing nitrogen and phosphorous.

The persistence of a chemical refers to a. the amount of time the chemical remains in the environment. b. the amount of harm the chemical does to the environment. c. the increase in chemical concentrations in animal tissue in the food chain. d. the dose of a chemical that causes 50 percent of a species to display harmful effects. e. a nonlethal, but harmful effect of a chemical.

the amount of time the chemical remains in the environment.

The European Union has stringent regulations over the production of genetically modified crops. Before a GMO can be planted for agriculture, the European Food Safety Authority grants authorization based on scientific evidence that shows there is no risk of an environmental hazard. This is an example of a. bioaccumulation in the environment. b. qualitative environmental risk management. c. the innocent-until-proven-guilty principle. d. the Stockholm Convention agreement. e. the precautionary principle.

the precautionary principle.

Many scientists warn that the increased use of antibacterial soaps could contribute to a future health problem if a. the soap corrodes wastewater treatment machinery. b. the soap prevents the spread of healthy pathogens. c. rates of allergic reactions continue to increase. d. the soap promotes the evolution of bacterial-resistant pathogens. e. corporations increase the toxicity of the soap.

the soap promotes the evolution of bacterial-resistant pathogens.

Bacteria are beneficial in the wastewater treatment process because of a. they help solid material to settle out of the wastewater. b. they naturally break down organic matter. c. the nutrients produced are beneficial to the treated water. d. they prevent the wastewater from forming sludge. e. they make the use of chemicals unnecessary in the treatment of wastewater.

they naturally break down organic matter.

You and your family have planned a weekend retreat at a lakeside campground. Upon arrival, you notice a Department of Health sign indicating the presence of fecal coliform bacteria in the lake. As an environmental science student you know to a. warn your family that fecal coliform bacteria is an indication of harmful microorganisms in the water. b. tell your family that fecal coliform bacteria is a group of harmless microorganisms, and swimming is safe. c. tell your family that the presence of fecal coliform bacteria means that swimming is safe, but the water must be purified before drinking . d. tell your family that the water is safe because fecal coliform bacteria indicates low biochemical oxygen demand. e. tell your family not to get close to the water, because fecal coliform bacteria is a leading cause of bacterial infections in the human digestive system.

warn your family that fecal coliform bacteria is an indication of harmful microorganisms in the water.

Noise pollution in water is a significant problem for a. schooling fish. b. sea turtles. c. whales. d. marine birds. e. phytoplankton.

whales.