QUIZ #2 - Pollution - on 4/30 Flashcards
According to the textbook, where might you expect to find higher levels of radon gas in the United States?
Iowa and Southern Minnesota
Which of the following is true concerning a thermal inversion?
it occurs when there is a cold layer of air at mid altitudes that is covering a warm less dense layer of air near the surface of Earth
it occurs when there is an absence of cold air at all altitudes causing temperatures to warm drastically due to adiabatic heating
it occurs when there is a warm layer of air at mid altitudes that is covering a cold dense layer of air near the surface of Earth
all of the answers listed are correct
it occurs when there is a warm layer of air at mid altitudes that is covering a cold dense layer of air near the surface of Earth
According to the textbook, radon gas is usually formed from the decay of _________ and exists in ___________ rocks.
uranium, granitic
According to our textbook, which indoor pollutant is considered the most dangerous to human health?
carbon monoxide
What causes “smog” to form?
high levels of particulate matter
According to the textbook, which disease is most attributed to exposure to asbestos?
Mesothelioma
According to our class discussion on acid rain, which of the following is true?
it is caused by low levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and is most common in the southeast United States
it is caused by low levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and is most common in the northeast United States
it is caused by high levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and is most common in the northwest United States
it is caused by high levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and is most common in the northeast United States
it is caused by high levels of nitrogen oxides in the air and is most common in the northeast United States
Embryos and fetuses are most affected by which chemical pollutant?
Correct answer:
teratogens
The West Palestine train derailment occurred in ___________.
Ohio
The West Palestine train derailment occurred on _________________.
February 3, 2023
The West Palestine train derailment produced a carcinogen called ________________.
vinyl chloride
Which type of pollution comes from a distinct source?
point source
Main sources of outdoor pollution: Coal and Oil
Coal combustion releases the most air pollutants including carbon dioxide. Oil is slightly less in releasing pollutants
Main sources of outdoor pollution: sulfur dioxide
corrosive gas released by combustion of fuels originating with coal and oil diesel gas
Main sources of outdoor pollution: nitrogen oxides
results from pollution reacting with nitrogen in atmosphere; mostly from motor vehicles; can lead to acid rain
Main sources of outdoor pollution: carbon dioxide
colorless, odorless gas formed during COMPLETE combustion of matter; greenhouse gas
Main sources of outdoor pollution: carbon monoxide
colorless, odorless gas formed during INCOMPLETE combustion of mater; can be dangerous indoor pollutant
Main sources of outdoor pollution: particulate matter
solid or liquid particles suspended in the air; comes from combustion of wood, manure, coal, oil, gas, known as “soot particles” (smog and/or haze)
thermal inversions
a thermal inversion is an atmospheric condition in which a warm layer of air at mid-altitudes covers a layer of colder air
indoor air pollutants
-compounds that adversely affect the quality of air in buildings and structures
-carbon monoxide
-dust
-mold
-asbestos
-smoke
-radon gas
point source
distinct source from which pollution is directly produced
ex: smoke stack
non point source
diffuse area that produces pollution
ex farming region
chemical pollutants
-include heavy metals and synthetic compounds produced naturally or by humans
ex: lead, arsenic, mercury (heavy metals)
ex: pesticides, fertilizers, GMOS (synthetics)
neurotoxins
attack nervous system
