EHS Quiz 2 Chapters 5-8

What is the best class of carcinogens?

Methylating agents are one of the best known classes of carcinogens. Eg: Methyl iodide (According to the United States Department of Agriculture methyl iodide exhibits moderate to high acute toxicity for inhalation and ingestion.Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and eye contact as possible exposure routes with target organs of the eyes, skin, respiratory system, and the central nervous system. Symptoms may include eye irritation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ataxia, slurred speech, and dermatitis. In high dose acute toxicity, as may occur in industrial accidents, toxicity includes metabolic disturbance, renal failure, venous and arterial thrombosis and encephalopathy with seizures and coma, with a characteristic pattern of brain injury)

Formal steps in risk assessment

Hazard Identification Dose-Response Assessment Exposure Assessment Risk Characterization Risk Management

What is Organocarbamates (OCB)? Examples?

It is a class of insecticide. Example: Metam sodium

Antioxidants

Molecules that are able to suck up the electrons floating around and mitigate their damage Found in BRIGHT fruits :D

What is an organic chemical/compound?

Naturally occurring (animal or plant-produced or synthetic) substances containing carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Example: table sugar

Are Vectors and infectious agents the same thing? Provide an example

No - they are different Ex. Malaria: Infection agent: parasite Vector: mosquito

Is "Organic" food the same as "pesticide free" ?

No. Per USDA National Organic Program: • Pests, weeds may be controlled through "application of nonsynthetic biological, botanical, or mineral inputs" • If regular organic practices are "insufficient to prevent or control crop pests, weeds and diseases" then a "biological or botanical substance or a substance included on the National List of synthetic substances allowed for use in organic crop production" may be used

What is an essential metal?

One that is essential for life in trace amounts

Define Volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Organic compounds that evaporate readily into the air. - Include substances such as benzene, toluene, methylene chloride, and methyl chloroform

What are organic solvents? Examples?

Liquid substance capable of dissolving other substances. The solvent doesn't change in forming the solution. An organic solvent is a type of volatile organic compound (VOC). Organic chemicals-vaporise at room temperature. Organic compounds used as solvents include: aromatic compounds, eg: benzene and toluene. alcohols, eg: methanol Examples: Benzene, Acetone and Methanol

Define reservoir.

Long term host of the agent of an infectious disease

What are the major metal exposure sites in humans?

Lungs (dust), skin, mouth (ingestion)

What are Organochlorides/organochlorines (OC)? Examples?

Organochlorine pesticides are dangerous chlorinated hydrocarbons. PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are man-made chemicals) eg: DDT & Chlordane

PCBs are examples of what kind of pesticide?

Organochlorines

What are organophosphates (OPs)? Forms? Examples?

Organophosphates are the basis of many insecticides, herbicides, and nerve agents. The United States Environmental Protection Agency lists organophosphates as very highly acutely toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans. Forms: Sprays, baits, indoor foggers and pet shampoos. Eg: -Malathion -Parathion -Diazinon

What is an insecticide?

Pesticide compound specifically used to kill or prevent growth of insects.

What are pesticides regulated under?

Pesticides are regulated under FIFRA.

What are organic foods? Advantages?

Product of a farming system which avoids the use of man-made fertilisers, pesticides; growth regulators and livestock feed additives. A: • Preserve natural resources and biodiversity • Support animal health and welfare • Provide access to the outdoors so that animals can exercise their natural behaviors • Only use approved materials • Do not use genetically modified ingredients • Receive annual onsite inspections • Separate organic food from non-organic food

What is the infectious agent that causes malaria?

Protozoan

Types of Nonionizing Radiation

Radio Waves (AM, FM, TV), Microwave, Infrared, Visible Light, Ultraviolet (IMPORTANT** upper limit of the UV spectrum merges with the ionizing radiation portion of the spectrum)

Public Perception of Risk

Risk = Hazard + Outrage

What is the technical definition of risk?

Risk = hazard X exposure

Define "Vector" as it related to spread of disease

The organism that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal to another.

EPA Carcinogenicity Classifications:

The scale: •Carcinogenic to humans •Likely to be carcinogenic to humans •Suggestive evidence of carcinogenic potential •Inadequate information to assess carcinogenic potential •Not likely to be carcinogenic to humans

Define Persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Toxic chemicals that adversely affect human health and the environment around the world. - They persist for long periods of time in the environment and can accumulate and pass from one species to the next through the food chain. Example: the pesticide DDT

T/F In general, ionizing radiation poses a greater risk tohuman health than non-ionizing radiation

True

T/F Pesticides with the same "functional group" tend to have similar toxicological symptions.

True

T/F: In general, women tend to be more vulnerable to heavy metal poisoning than men.

True

T/F: It is possible for an element to be both essential and toxic.

True

True or False? In general, ionizing radiation poses a greater risk to human health than non-ionizing radiation

True

T/F Is it possible for a disease to be zoonotic and not vector borne?

True - Yes! But very rare

T/F West Nile Virus cases occur every year in Los Angeles?

True - happens every year - LA is a hot spot

What caused a decrease in lead emissions in the 1970s? How did this affect lead poisoning levels?

Use of a catalytic converter - decreased lead poisoning levels

Isotopes

Variants of a particular element with a different number of neutrons (e.g. Carbon 14, Carbon 12, etc)

What is biomagnification?

When metals become more concentrated and harmful as they move up the food chain ex: eaten by snails, fish eat snails, humans eat fish

nuclide

a nucleus with a specific number of protons and neutrons and a specific energy state; it includes radioactive and nonradioactive atoms.

Define "Arthropod"

an invertebrate animal with an exoskeleton (e.g. insects)

radionuclide

atom with an unstable nucleus

What percent of the total world market of pesticides is used by the US? a. <10% b. Between 10-25% c. Between 25-50% d. More than 50%

b. Between 10-25% CORRECT

IQ loss is linked with an _____ in blood lead levels.

increase

How do we measure contaminant levels?

ppm = parts per million ppb = parts per billion

Nonionizing Radiation

radiation that has enough energy to move atoms in a molecule around or cause them to vibrate, but not enough to remove electrons....

Ionizing Radiation

radiation that has enough energy to remove electrons from an atom and create an ion

Environmental cleanup to reduce blood lead levels is considered _______ prevention.

secondary

What are the characteristics of alpha particles?

-Made up of the nucleus of a helium atom that is ejected from a radioactive atom -Relatively large and slow, short travel range -Generally don't penetrate skin -Lots of damage in inhaled or ingested due to size and energy

Stochastic Effects

-effects associated with low levels of exposure to radiation over time -can be passed to progeny

Radon

-largest source of radiation -found in basements -from radium and uranium -noble gas (full set of electrons)

UVA

-less intense than UVB but over time, they can accumulate and cause just as much damage -type of ultraviolet light

radioisotope

-natural or artificially produced isotope that is radioactive. -also known as a radioactive isotope

Japan's Earthquake/Tsunami

-nuclear powerplant destruction, worse than Chernobyl -need to keep powerplants next to ocean to cool down process even though threat of tsunamis is imminent -after the earthquake/tsunami, most powerplants shut down from backlash from public

UVB

-only affect top layers of skin - causes tanning, wrinkles, free radicals, DNA damage, and cancer -type of ultraviolet light

x-rays

-similar to gamma rays except emitted by electrons -longer than gamma rays -lower in energy than gamma rays as well - penetrating - used in medical procedures

DNA Damage

-various causes included UV exposure -ejecting electrons from atoms -increases cancer risk

Radioactivity

-what is emitted from unstable elements/isotopes when they decompose -Different Unstable Nuclei Produce Different Types of Radiation

Name 3 big antibiotic resistant disease threats and brief description of each

1. Clostridium Difficile: has protective coating. Lives long time. Treatment of last resort is fecal transplant 2. Carbapenem- Resistant Enterobacteriaceae: Gets into blood stream. Resistant to nearly all antibiotics 3. Drug-resistant Neisseria Gonorrhoeae: You can be a-symptomatic and still transmit

What are the 4 classifications of metals?

1. Major toxic with multiple effects 2. Essential metals with potential for toxicity 3. Related to medical therapy 4. Minor toxic

Who is at risk with pesticides?

1.Ground applicators 2.Gardeners and nurserymen 3.Warehouse workers

Define "Agent"

A bacterium, virus, or organism that can cause a disease

Define Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

A group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat

Advantages and Disadvantages of organochlorines?

A: Cleared Malaria. Highly effective. D: Highly insoluble in water - don't dissolve. When it rains, they can spread widely through runoff. The problem with this strength is that once organochlorine pesticides are used, they stay around for a long time, not only in the water supply and in the soil but also in human and animal bodies.Cancer. Reproductive effects. Impaired neurologic function. Bioaccumulate.

Advantages & Disadvantages of OPs?

A: Do not appear to persist in the environment. Inexpensive comparatively. Can eliminate wide variety of insects therefore reducing needs for multiple applications. Not weakened by resistance of insects. D: Highly toxic/ frequently implicated in fatal poisonings

Advantages and Disadvantages of pyrethroids?

A: Originally obtained from natural sources -Low toxicity for mammals -Degrade rapidly in environment D: none

What government agency is charged with preparing the list of hazardous substances commonly found at National Priorities List sites?

ATSDR

Which government agency is responsible for preparing the list of hazardous substances commonly found at hazardous waste sites?

ATSDR Agency for Toxic Substances Disease Registry

OC: Acute poisoning and chronic poisoning?

Acute: • Nervous symptom abnormalities • Irritability • Dizziness, numbness Chronic: •Cancer • Reproductive effects • Impaired neurologic function

OCB: Acute poisoning and chronic poisoning?

Acute: • Respiratory paralysis • Seizures • Loss of consciousness • Death Chronic: • Numbness • Loss of sensory abilities • Weakness

OP: Acute poisoning and chronic poisoning?

Acute: • Respiratory paralysis • Seizures • Loss of consciousness • Death Chronic: • Numbness • Loss of sensory abilities • Weakness

P: Acute poisoning and chronic poisoning?

Acute: •Nausea • Headache/dizziness • Neurological symptoms Chronic: Little chronic toxicity in humans or animals

Why is there no reference dose for lead?

Adverse effects occur below the detection level

Provide an example of a zoonotic disease, based on agent, transmission system

Agent: Bacteria, transmission by arthropod bites (Lyme disease), transmission by food, water or animal bites (anthrax) Agent: Viduses, transmission by arthropod bites west nile virus), by food/water/animal bites (rabies) Agent: protozoans, transmission by arthropod (sleeping sickness)

Which of the following is an example of ionizing radiation? A. Visible light (UV light but not visible) B. Microwaves C. Radiowaves D. Alpha particles E. All of the above

Alpha Particles

What are the four types of ionizing radiation?

Alpha particles Beta particles Gamma rays X-rays

Define Vector-borne disease (VBD) and provide an example

An illness caused by an infectious microorganism (agent) that is transmitted to people by a vector,usually arthropods (mosquitoes, tickes, sand flies, biting midges). Examples: malaria, plague, lyme disease, to name a few.

What is a hydrocarbon?

An organic compound containing only carbon and hydrogen and often occurring in petroleum, natural gas, coal ex: acetylene, benzene, or butane

What are Pyrethroids (P)? Examples?

An organic compound similar to the natural pyrethrins produced by the flowers of pyrethrums. They constitute the majority of commercial household insecticides. Eg: Permethrin

What is an aromatic compound?

An organic molecule that contains a benzene ring

What is a pesticide?

Any substance or mix of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating pests.

Name the 5 classes of microorganisms and examples of each

Bacteria (strep, cholera) Protozoa (malaria) Viruses (flu) Fungi (Yeast,mold) Algae

How do we test for lead poisoning?

Blood testing

Which of the following is the way that pesticides are classified? A. By the types of organisms that they target B. By their chemical structure/functional groups C. Both of the above D. None of the above

C. Both of the above

How are hazardous substances prioritized on the CERCLA list of hazardous substances?

Combination of frequency, toxicity and potential for exposure

Ions

Created when atoms lose or gain electrons (positive or negative charged atom) Cation = positive charge Anion = negative charge

Organic solvents are of concern because they typically: A. Easily convert to vapors, so they are easily inhaled B. Easily disperse and persist in the environment C. Easily cross the placental barrier and affect developing fetuses D. All of the above E. None of the above

D. All of the above CORRECT

Nematocides are chemicals that are used to kill A. Insects B. Spiders C. Rodents D. Microscopic Worms E. Fungi

D. Microscopic Worms CORRECT

Who tracks pesticides in California?

Department of pesticide regulation.

Which of the following media is a relevant source of exposure to toxic metals? A. Biota/food B. Water C. Soil/dust D. Air E. All of the above

E. All of the above

What are factors that can affect gene expression?

Environmental exposures, stresses, diet, lifestyle cause epigenetic changes.

T/F The advantage of using organochlorine pesticides is that they degrade rapidly in the environment?

False

T/F: "Organic" chemicals are safe because they are natural.

False

T/F: All pesticides are organic chemicals

False

T/F: Chemicals on the ATSDR National Priorities List are listed in the order of most to least toxic.

False

T/F: The advantage of using organophosphate pesticides is that they are not very toxic to people

False

The advantage of using organochlorine pesticides is that they degrade rapidly in the environment

False

True or False? All non-ionizing radiation is safe

False

True or False? Everything that gives off radiation is radioactive

False

Zoonosis

"an infection or infectious disease transmissible under natural conditions from animals to humans" - Examples of methods of transmission: contact with skin, bit/scratch of an animal, eating contaminated foods such as infected meat, etc.

What are the basic premises for community environmental health?

- Actively partner with community to identify (and implement) solutions • Map and leverage community assets • Engage community- and faith- based organizations already serving target community • Leverage informal health providers (promotores)

How was lead contamination addressed in Nigeria case study?

- Chelation therapy - Monitoring of lead levels using x-ray fluorescence - Huge environmental cleanup

What would primary prevention be in the case of lead poisoning in Nigeria?

- Educational campaign in villages where they might start mining soon

Beta Particles

- Electron that is emitted from nucleus of a radioactive atom - much less massive than alpha particles - can penetrate skin and body up to 2 cm but cause less damage (moderate penetrating power)

What are some of the effects of lead poisoning in adults?

- Hypertension - Higher cancer rates - Nerve problems - Inability to make red blood cells - Anemia - Seizures - death

What are the main sources of lead poisoning today?

- Lead paint in homes (illegal, but still prevalent) - Lead in soil (from leaded gasoline, emissions, paint)

What are some of the effects of lead poisoning in children?

- Lower IQ - Interference with development - Nerve problems - Anemia, inability to make red blood cells - Kidney damage - seizures - death

How can we measure lead poisoning in communities exposed to lead?

- Measure IQ of adults compared to controls in a nearby community with no mine - measure blood lead levels - install air monitors around city, compare to Peru average and UN guidelines - test ground and surface water

What are the advantages of organocarbamates?

- Rarely result in fatal poisonings - Do not persist in environment

Gamma Rays

- consist of photons - high energy but no mass -most highly penetrating -can cause significant damage