Midterm questions Flashcards by Elyse Duhaime

The earliest recognized poisons such as hemlock, aconite and metals were recorded in
________
a. Book of Job
b. Codex
c. Des Poisons
d. Ebers Papyrus

d. Ebers Papyrus

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_________ is considered the “Father of Toxicology”.
a. Aristotle
b. Giordano Bruno
c. Paracelsus
d. Hippocrates

c. Paracelsus

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King Mithridates ingested sub-lethal doses of poisons containing arsenic to develop his
tolerance to poisons and escaped from assassination. But ultimately, he died of the
overdose of arsenic.
a. True
b. False

b. False

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Mechanistic Toxicology began with our understanding of ______________
a. The lead aggregation in amyloid plaques in lead-associated Alzheimer’s disease
b. The free radical theory in cell death research
c. The hepatic clearance of manganese in manganese-induced encephalopathy

b. The free radical theory in cell death research

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The Regulatory Toxicology in the United States was born owing largely to
______________
a. John Couper’s detailed description of manganism in 1837
b. The Worker’s Insurance Law established in Germany in 1883
c. The Pure Food and Drugs Act inspired by the work of the “Poison Squad” in 1906
d. Henry Ford’s first automobile assembly line that fueled the Second Industrial Revolution
in 1913

c. The Pure Food and Drugs Act inspired by the work of the “Poison Squad” in 1906

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The 3rd Industrial Revolution is characterized by the following facts except for
___________
a. Automobile assembly line
b. The invention of internet, automation and digitization
c. The birth of the Risk Assessment
d. The creation of the domain name systems (DNS) such as “.com”, “.edu”, and “.gov”

a. Automobile assembly line

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The person who led the effort to avert a major public health disaster named the
Thalidomide Babies is __________
a. John Couper
b. Rachel Carson
c. Frances Kelsey
d. Harvey Wiley

c. Frances Kelsey

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The time course of a given chemical poison in the body describes the change of poison’s
concentration in body fluids like in blood or urine over a period of time. This curve
reflects ________
a. The effect of the poison on the fate of our body
b. The effect of the time on the fate of our body
c. The effect of our body on the fate of the poison
d. The effect of the poison on the fate of time

c. The effect of our body on the fate of the poison

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Who first described the symptoms of manganism and contributed to the birth of
Descriptive Toxicology?
a. Dr. Alice Hamilton
b. Dr. John Couper
c. Dr.Percival Pott
d. Dr. Rachel Carson

b. Dr. John Couper

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What does clinical toxicology primarily study?
a. The effects of toxins on plants and animals
b. The environmental impact of industrial chemicals
c. The development of new pharmaceutical drugs
d. The adverse effects of chemical exposure on humans

d. The adverse effects of chemical exposure on humans

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Sources of everyday cadmium exposure are ________
a. Consumption of fishes, particularly the shell fish
b. Cigarette smoking
c. Working on metal alloys production with poor ventilation facilities
d. All of the above
e. Only (a) and (c)

d. All of the above

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Cadmium causes the Itai-Itai disease, because _________
a. Cadmium deposits in and damages the skeletal system.
b. Cadmium deposits in and damages the liver.
c. Cadmium deposits in and damages the kidneys.
d. Cadmium deposits in and damages the lungs.

a. Cadmium deposits in and damages the skeletal system.

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The lack of effective treatment of cadmium toxicity is mainly due to _______
a. Intracellular distribution of cadmium that renders many chelating agents unable to gain
access to cadmium ions.
b. Strong binding of cadmium with intracellular proteins that provides a safe haven for
cadmium storage.
c. Accumulation of cadmium in brain where the blood-brain barrier keeps chelators out of
brain.
d. All of the above
e. Only (a) and (b)

e. Only (a) and (b)

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Metal fever has the symptoms similar to influenza including fever, chills, headache,
nausea and fatigue. The causes are primarily due to
a. Exposure to virus during mining of metals
b. Exposure to cold air while working in the rain or snow
c. Exposure to metals such as cadmium, chromium or manganese in smelting or welding industry
d. None of the above

c. Exposure to metals such as cadmium, chromium or manganese in smelting or welding industry

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The constant high lead selling price in the London Metal Exchange since 1997 reflects
the consistent demand of lead in the modern industry. The highest demand comes from
the industries using Pb in _____________
a. Pigmentation
b. Battery
c. Electrical vehicles
d. Ammunition

b. Battery

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Major proteins contributing to the etiopathology of Alzheimer’s disease include
a. Metallothionein
b. b-amyloids
c. Tau proteins
d. Only (a) and (b)
e. Only (b) and (c)

e. Only (b) and (c)

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The half-life of Pb in human bone after exposure is ___________
a. 2 – 3 hours
b. 2 – 3 days
c. 2 – 3 months
d. 2 – 3 years
e. 20 – 30 years

e. 20 – 30 years

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The use of lead in the gasoline was banned in the U.S. after the establishment of the
EPA in 1972. As a result, the air concentration of lead began to decline in most of the
U.S. metropolitan areas ever since 1970s. Thus, people who were born around 1960s
and will become senior citizens in 2030 shall have much less of the chance suffering
from lead exposure-related Alzheimer’s disease.
a. True
b. False

b. False

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The purpose of using EDTA “pause/chase” strategy for chelating therapy of Pb
poisoning is _________ .
a. To pause the EDTA chelation so as to reduce the EDTA toxicity.
b. To initially remove Pb from blood by EDTA chelation, then pause for several days for Pb in storage tissues being released to blood, and finally chelate these Pb ions again with EDTA.
c. To use EDTA to temporarily stop (pause) Pb transport in the blood compartment and then remove (chase) Pb ions from the body.
d. None of the above

b. To initially remove Pb from blood by EDTA chelation, then pause for several days for Pb
in storage tissues being released to blood, and finally chelate these Pb ions again with
EDTA.

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What has been observed about blood lead levels (BLL) in Kentucky since NIOSH began
tracking rates in 2010?
a. Kentucky’s BLL rates have been consistently lower than the national prevalence rate.
b. Kentucky’s BLL rates have remained the same as the national prevalence rate.
c. Kentucky’s BLL rates have averaged 40% higher than the estimated national prevalence
rate.
d. NIOSH does not track BLL rates for Kentucky

c. Kentucky’s BLL rates have averaged 40% higher than the estimated national prevalence
rate.

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Which statement best describes the distribution of lead exposure risk in major U.S. cities
based on neighborhood maps?
a. Older industrial cities like New York and Chicago have a large percentage of areas
with risk scores of 10, indicating high lead exposure risk.
b. Cities like Los Angeles and Miami have the highest lead exposure risk in the
country.
c. Lead exposure risk is evenly distributed across all major U.S. cities.
d. Newer cities tend to have higher lead exposure risk compared to older industrial
cities.

a. Older industrial cities like New York and Chicago have a large percentage of areas
with risk scores of 10, indicating high lead exposure risk.

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Which statement best describes the trends in blood lead levels (BLLs) and their impact
on cognitive ability?
a. The average lead-linked loss in cognitive ability was 2.6 IQ points per person as of
2015, with the greatest impact on individuals born after 2001.
b. Individuals born between 1951 and 1980 had nearly universal BLLs greater than 5
μg/dL, while those born since 2001 had significantly lower levels.
c. Lead exposure has had no measurable effect on cognitive ability over time.
d. BLLs have remained consistent across all generations, with no significant difference
between those born before and after 1980.

b. Individuals born between 1951 and 1980 had nearly universal BLLs greater than 5 μg/dL, while those born since 2001 had significantly lower levels

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The toxicity of mercury is substantially influenced by:
a. Exposure duration
b. Dose of exposure
c. Form of mercury
d. All of the above
e. Only (a) and (b)

d. All of the above

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What is latent toxicity?
a. Toxicity in which symptoms occur long after exposure.
b. Toxicity in which symptoms occur during exposure.
c. Toxicity in which symptoms occur right after exposure.
d. All of the above

a. Toxicity in which symptoms occur long after exposure.

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What is biomagnification? a. Magnification of the concentration of a compound in an individual b. An increase of the concentration of a toxicant as you move up in the food chain c. Magnification of the affected area in a chemical spill in the environment d. Mixing of toxicants

b. An increase of the concentration of a toxicant as you move up in the food chain

Methylmercury can: a. Cross the blood brain barrier b. Cross the placenta barrier c. Pass into breast milk d. All of the above e. only (b) and (c)

d. All of the above

Mad hatter disease is caused by: a. Ethylmercury b. Methylmercury c. Mercury salts d. Use of camel urine as a felting agent

c. Mercury salts

Organic mercury mainly causes effects on the: a. Central nervous system b. Renal system c. Skin d. Cardiovascular system

a. Central nervous system

Mercury is present in blood and urine of most of the population: a. True b. False

a. True

Elemental mercury can be found in: a. Skin cream, folk medication b. Thermometers, dental fillings, light bulbs c. Food, vaccines, fungicides

b. Thermometers, dental fillings, light bulbs

A Dartmouth professor was died of fetal exposure to _______ a. elemental mercury b. methyl mercury c. dimethyl mercury d. ethyl mercury

c. dimethyl mercury

What is erethism, a condition associated with mercury exposure? a. A respiratory disorder causing chronic cough and shortness of breath. b. A neurological condition characterized by memory loss, insomnia, depression, shyness, and increased excitability. c. A skin condition resulting in rashes and discoloration due to heavy metal exposure. d. A digestive disorder leading to nausea and abdominal pain

b. A neurological condition characterized by memory loss, insomnia, depression, shyness, and increased excitability.

The first record use of pesticides occurred in 2500 BC when Sumerians rubbed sulfur compounds on their bodies in the hope this would repel insects. a. True b. False

a. True

______________ is a chloronicotinyl insecticides that mimics nicotine by blocking nicotinergic neuronal pathway. You should not use this insecticide on flowering plants as it is toxic to bees. a. Sevin b. Malathion c. DDT d. Imidacloprid

d. Imidacloprid

The highest pesticide-loaded products include the following except for _______ a. Apples b. Strawberries c. Sweet corn/pineapples, avocados d. Grapes

c. Sweet corn/pineapples, avocados

Paraquat is a(n) ___________ herbicide that is activated by sunlight to form active compounds that disrupt the plant cells causing disintegration of cell membranes and chloroplasts. a. Amino acid synthesis inhibitor b. Cell membrane disruptor c. Plant growth regulator d. Seedling growth inhibitor

b. Cell membrane disruptor

_______________ is the top applied herbicide in the US. This herbicide is regulated in drinking water supplies. a. Atrazine b. Malathion c. Glyphosate d. Dicamba e. DDT

c. Glyphosate

In 2015 a Delaware family was poisoned by this banned pesticide when a company fumigated the condominium unit below the one they were staying. This exposure resulted in long-term neurological deficits in the family members. a. Methyl bromide b. Glyphosate c. Sevin d. DDT

a. Methyl bromide

_______________ are insecticides that do not kill insects and have very low to no toxicity. The most common of this group is DEET. a. Repellants b. Physical toxicants c. Nerve poisons d. Muscle poisons

a. Repellants

Why are there concerns for human toxicity for many insecticides? a. Many insecticides mode of action is through neurotoxicity and there are commonalities between the neuronal systems in insects and humans. b. Some insecticides are hormone mimics and can interfere with the endocrine system in humans. c. The mode of action of insecticides only target biological systems that are found in insects. d. Only A and B

d. Only A and B

The ____________________ has a program called SENSORS-Pesticides Program to monitor acute occupational pesticide exposures. This program has been responsible for several major impacts to help prevent pesticide exposures in the work place including schools. a. US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) b. US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) c. NIH (National Institutes of Health) d. ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry)

b. US CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Which statement is FALSE about the Roundup Ready crop technology? a. Roundup Ready crops have a transgene inserted into their genome that makes them resistance to glyphosate. b. Creation and use of the Roundup Ready crop technology have reduced application rates of herbicides in agricultural fields in the US. c. Use of the Roundup Ready crop technology has resulted in increased glyphosate resistant weeds in agricultural fields and the need for new technology to combat this weed resistance. d. Use of the Roundup Ready crop technology has increased glyphosate contamination in drinking water sources.

b. Creation and use of the Roundup Ready crop technology have reduced application rates of herbicides in agricultural fields in the US.

Temperature inversions are associated with air pollution health events. What occurs during a temperature inversion? a. A layer of warm or hot air traps cooler air near ground resulting in the concentration of air pollutants close to the ground b. A layer of cold air traps warm air near the ground resulting in the concentration of air pollutants close to the ground c. Cold weather conditions at ground level result in the increases usage of heating systems increasing air pollution levels d. Air pollution emissions increase in the winter warming the air creating a temperature inversion

a. A layer of warm or hot air traps cooler air near ground resulting in the concentration of air pollutants close to the ground

Which career was associated with silicosis outbreaks in 2019 across the U.S. and globally? a. Infrastructure Repair – underground pipes b. Stone Countertop Fabrication c. Firefighting d. Olympic Athlete

b. Stone Countertop Fabrication

In 2009, this location was declared the first Public Health Emergency by the EPA. a. Dorona Pennsylvania b. The Utah Valley Area c. Delamar, Nevada d. Libby Montana e. Beijing, China

d. Libby Montana

The nicotine in 1 JUUL Pod (most popular electronic cigarette on the market) is equivalent to ________ a. 5 cigarettes b. 10 cigarettes c. 2 pack of cigarettes d. 1.5 packs of cigarettes e. Unknown as it is variable

c. 2 pack of cigarettes

Carbon Monoxide poisoning has symptoms similar to what common disease? a. COVID-19 b. Pink eye c. Influenza d. Stomach virus e. Malaria

c. Influenza

How did the murders eventually succeed in killing Mike Malloy? a. Unlimited drinks b. Serving methanol c. Feeding him metal shavings d. Carbon monoxide poisoning

d. Carbon monoxide poisoning

What were the key environmental and health impacts of fluoride emissions from the zinc plant incident discussed in Donora Pennsylvania Smog? a. Increased cases of respiratory diseases and higher fluoride levels in water sources b. Fluoride levels in deceased individuals were 20 times higher than normal, and emissions killed vegetation within half a mile of the plant c. The primary impact was on marine life, causing widespread fish mortality in nearby rivers d. No significant health effects were reported, and the lawsuits were dismissed due to lack of evidence

b. Fluoride levels in deceased individuals were 20 times higher than normal, and emissions killed vegetation within half a mile of the plant

Who is known as the "Mother of Smog Research" for her pioneering work in air pollution science? a. Rachel Carson b. Marie Curie c. Arie Haagen-Smit d. Mary Amdur

d. Mary Amdur

Which of the following was discovered in late 1930s by Dr. Raymond Pearl related to smoking? a. Smokers live longer than nonsmokers b. Smokers and nonsmokers have equal lifespan c. Smokers have shorter lifespan than nonsmokers d. Smoker parents have happier children than nonsmoker parents

c. Smokers have shorter lifespan than nonsmokers

Tobacco specific nitrosamines include _________ a. Ammonia and aromatic amines b. NNN, NNK, NAT, and NAB c. Aldehydes and ketones d. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons

b. NNN, NNK, NAT, and NAB

Which component of electronic cigarette liquids was linked to EVALI (E-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury)? a. Vitamin E acetate b. Vitamin C c. Ethylene Glycol d. Nicotine

a. Vitamin E acetate

Which of the following clinical signs can be observed in EVALI patients? a. Acute lung injury with organizing pneumonia and alveolar damage b. Hair loss c. Discoloration of teeth d. Emphysema phenotype

a. Acute lung injury with organizing pneumonia and alveolar damage

Pulmonary function tests are conducted to assess the health of the lung. Which of the following parameters is NOT used to diagnose lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and fibrosis? a. Body temperature b. Elastance and compliance of the lung c. Diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) d. Total lung capacity (TLC)

a. Body temperature

Which of the following is a key histopathological sign of emphysema? a. Airspace enlargement b. Accumulation of connective tissue c. Ground glass opacity d. Healthy alveoli

a. Airspace enlargement

Which of the following is the primary lung antioxidant? a. Elastase b. Ascorbic acid c. Glutathione d. Superoxide dismutase

c. Glutathione

What is the primary focus of the FDA's preliminary list of 93 harmful and potentially harmful constituents (HPHCs) in tobacco products? a. Improving tobacco flavor b. Reducing nicotine dependence c. Identifying chemicals linked to serious health effect d. Promoting safer alternatives to smoking

c. Identifying chemicals linked to serious health effect

Which of the following chemicals is a respiratory toxicant likely linked to COPD and asthma? a. Formaldehyde b. Glyoxal c. Acrolein d. Methylglyoxal

c. Acrolein

What is the term used to describe the accumulation of connective tissue in an organ or tissue, often leading to scarring and impaired function? a. Necrosis b. Fibrosis c. Apoptosis d. Hyperplasia

b. Fibrosis

Tidal volume can be measured using which of the following methods? a. Direct plethysmography (volume or flow) and impedance b. Indirect plethysmography by whole-body for screening repeated measures c. Both A and B d. None of the above

c. Both A and B

Which of the following statements is true regarding the pulmonary function characteristics of obstructive and restrictive lung diseases? a. In obstructive disease (e.g., emphysema), DLCO is high, and TLC or compliance is low. b. In restrictive disease (e.g., fibrosis), DLCO is low, and TLC or compliance is low. c. In obstructive disease (e.g., emphysema), DLCO is low, and TLC or compliance is high. d. In restrictive disease (e.g., fibrosis), DLCO is high, and TLC or compliance is high.

c. In obstructive disease (e.g., emphysema), DLCO is low, and TLC or compliance is high.

Which of the following correctly describes the action of nerve poisons? a. Synaptic poisons interrupt axonic transmission, causing tremors and death. b. Axonic poisons, such as pyrethroids and chlorinated hydrocarbons, disrupt synaptic transmission, leading to nerve firing and tremors. c. Anti-cholinesterases, including organophosphates and carbamates, enhance synaptic transmission by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. d. Cholinomimetics like nicotine and nicotine sulfates block acetylcholine receptors and prevent nerve firing.

c. Anti-cholinesterases, including organophosphates and carbamates, enhance synaptic transmission by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.

Methoxychlor and vinclozolin are: a. Nerve poisons b. Muscle poisons c. Hormone mimics d. Neurotoxic

c. Hormone mimics

Which of the following is true about the London Killer Smog of 1952? a. The fog was caused by excessive rainfall, and it led to only minor health issues. b. The event led to around 4,000 deaths and prompted the British Clean Air Act of 1956. c. The smog caused widespread damage to the agricultural sector, including the death of a herd of cattle. d. The fog was a result of industrial pollution, leading to the cancellation of major outdoor events like plays and concerts

b. The event led to around 4,000 deaths and prompted the British Clean Air Act of 1956.

Which of the following is a characteristic of acute silicosis? a. It typically has a slow progression and does not lead to respiratory failure. b. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, weight loss, and rapid progression into respiratory failure. c. Acute silicosis is primarily characterized by skin rashes and joint pain. d. The disease is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of ozone.

b. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, fever, cough, weight loss, and rapid progression into respiratory failure.

Which of the following describes the main causes of the Bhopal gas tragedy? a. The incident occurred due to a natural disaster, such as an earthquake, affecting the pesticide plant. b. The gas leak of methyl isocyanate was caused by inadequate safety measures, maintenance issues, and lack of emergency preparedness at the Union Carbide pesticide plant. c. The tragedy was caused by an intentional act of sabotage at the Union Carbide plant. d. The leak was due to an external fire that spread to the storage tanks at the plant.

b. The gas leak of methyl isocyanate was caused by inadequate safety measures, maintenance issues, and lack of emergency preparedness at the Union Carbide pesticide plant.

Which of the following statements is true about the air quality during the Beijing Olympics? a. Air quality was one of the best in Olympic history, with minimal health concerns. b. The air quality was the worst in Olympic history, with estimates of 0.5-1 million premature deaths per year in China. c. The air quality during the Beijing Olympics was significantly improved by the government's efforts to reduce pollution. d. Air quality was not a major concern, as the pollution levels were within safe limits during the games

b. The air quality was the worst in Olympic history, with estimates of 0.5-1 million premature deaths per year in China.

Which of the following are known effects of exposure to sarin gas? a. Sarin gas causes immediate nausea and vomiting but does not affect the nervous system. b. Sarin gas causes long-term memory loss but does not affect muscle control. c. Exposure to sarin gas leads to temporary irritation of the skin and eyes without long- term health effects. d. Sarin gas is a potent neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

d. Sarin gas is a potent neurotoxin that can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, convulsions, paralysis, and death.

Military base waste pits burn at low temperatures resulting in release of toxic materials into the air due to less efficient combustion. a. True b. False

a. True

How can lead enter drinking water? a. Lead can enter drinking water through air pollution, particularly from industrial emissions. b. Lead enters drinking water only from agricultural runoff containing lead-based pesticides. c. Lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials containing lead, such as pipes, faucets, and solder, especially when these materials corrode in acidic or low-mineral water. d. Lead contamination in drinking water is primarily caused by the use of lead in water treatment processes.

c. Lead can enter drinking water from plumbing materials containing lead, such as pipes, faucets, and solder, especially when these materials corrode in acidic or low-mineral water.

Minamata disease is caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of lead in the environment. b. Minamata disease is a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning from contaminated fish and shellfish in Minamata Bay, Japan. c. The disease is caused by an outbreak of cholera in the Minamata region. d. Minamata disease primarily affects the respiratory system and is caused by air pollution from factories.

b. Minamata disease is a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning from contaminated fish and shellfish in Minamata Bay, Japan.

What was the primary cause of the Iraq epidemic related to dietary exposure? a. The epidemic was caused by the consumption of contaminated drinking water. b. The epidemic was linked to the consumption of wheat contaminated with organophosphate pesticides. c. The epidemic resulted from the ingestion of food contaminated with methylmercury (MeHg), leading to widespread poisoning. d. The epidemic was due to the consumption of tainted dairy products containing high levels of dioxins.

c. The epidemic resulted from the ingestion of food contaminated with methylmercury (MeHg), leading to widespread poisoning.

What is the primary advantage of using Synchrotron XRF (X-ray fluorescence) spectroscopy in toxicological research? a. It provides a non-destructive way to analyze the molecular structure of toxins. b. It allows for the precise measurement of isotopic concentrations in biological samples. c. It offers high spatial resolution to detect trace elements and heavy metals in tissues, helping identify environmental toxicants. d. It is primarily used for measuring the pH levels in environmental samples

c. It offers high spatial resolution to detect trace elements and heavy metals in tissues, helping identify environmental toxicants.

Which of the following statements is true about autophagy? a. Autophagy is a process that breaks down extracellular molecules for energy production. b Autophagy is a cellular process that helps in the degradation and recycling of damaged organelles and proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis. c. Autophagy only occurs in the liver cells and is not present in other cell types. d. Autophagy is a form of programmed cell death that leads to the complete destruction of the cell.

b Autophagy is a cellular process that helps in the degradation and recycling of damaged organelles and proteins to maintain cellular homeostasis.