NEHA Book Questions (Incomplete) Flashcards
What is the MOST common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five years of age?
Haemophilus influenzae type B
How is “Giardiasis” USUALLY transmitted to others?
Person-to-person transfer of cysts from the feces of the infected individual
Which of the following duties of state and local health agencies is intended to ensure that the public’s health and welfare are protected?:
community-intensive planning
statutory administrative action
regulatory responsibilities
plan implementation
Regulatory resposibilities
What is the measure of the amount of light scattered by particles suspended in a water test sample?
Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU)
What is an epidemic?
The occurrence in a community or region of cases of an illness clearlytin excess of expectancy
What portal of entry should a field sanitarian protect to avoid contracting Lyme disease?
skin
Swimmer’s itch is a common name for which disease?
Schistosomiasis
Which of the following factors would LEAST contribute to the emergence of a new infectious disease?:
human behavior
heat disinfection
antibiotic use
disinfectant use
Heat disinfection
Listeriosis is COMMONLY associated with what source?
contaminated food
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is caused by infection with which bacteria?
Escheria coli 0157:H7
The basic principles of disease control include all of the following EXCEPT:
lag phase
control of disease source
mode of transmission
susceptibility
lag phase
Which of the following phrases MOST accurately describes the term pandemic?:
sporadic occurrence of an illness
illnesses that exceed expected levels
all illnesses present at any one time
constant presence of an illness
constant presence of an illness
The interval between exposure to an infectious agent and the appearance of the first symptom is called what?
incubation period
An establishment known to have imminent health hazard is not closed by the inspecting regulatory authority. This example BEST fits the definition of a:
nonfeasance
Vehicleborn, vectorborne, or airborne are all examples of what?
Indirect mode of transmission
Define statutes
laws enacted by either the state or federal legislature
Define ordinances
Laws enacted by local elected officials, such as in municipalities and counties
Define litigation
a civil action to settle a dispute in a court of law
Define arbitration
involves the services of a disinterested person out of court in a binding settlement
Define mediation
nonbinding settlement between the interested parties
at is an administrative/enforcement/abatement order?
a legal document from a state or federal agency directing an individual, business, or agency to correct or stop an activity
What is an embargo?
a legal order prohibiting the removal or use of something
What is a seizure order?
The legal permission to confiscate, retail, or dispose of something
What is condemnation?
legal judgment that finds a structure or property too dangerous or unfit for human use
What is civil law?
involves individuals or groups acting in a nonpublic capacity in which some form of compensation is sought by liability, not guilt, is established
What is a prohibitory injunction?
an order to cease and desist a particular action
What is a mandatory injunction?
an order to act, such as applying for a permit, changing a procedure, reporting an activity, or correcting a violation
What is the purpose of criminal law?
to prevent harm to society
always an action bya government body
What is an arraignment?
a judge summons defendant to court to enter a plea
What is Prima Facie evidence?
Provide examples
comprises of more persuasive forms of evidence than recollections alone
ex: detailed records, original handwritten investigative reports, photographs, samples, and scientific lab results
What are torts?
civil wrongs
injuries to an individual’s person, property, or reputation
What is the exclusionary role?
a principle that disallows illegally obtained evidence to be admitted in court
What six pollutants were addressed in the Clean Air Act of 1970?
carbon monoxide
lead
NO2
ozone
particulate matter
sulfur dioxide
What are the criteria pollutants which are known human and animal carcinogens?
asbestos
benzene
beryllium
mercury
radionuclides
vinyl chloride
What does RCRA stand for?
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
What does CERCLA stand for?
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
What are the big nine allergens?
milk
soy
eggs
wheat
finfish
shellfish
peanuts
tree nuts
sesame seeds
What year did the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act get established?
2004
An employer is held liable for the tortsof its employees committed within the scope of their employment. This is referred to as
respondent superior
Performance of an authorized act in an unauthorized manner is called
misfeasance
An action authorized by law to restrict or prevent the movement of goods for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare is called an order of
embargo
What is the federal agency that regulates food additives?
Food and Drug Administration
When a legal action is being prepared, one of the first steps a sanitarian should take is to
keep accurate records
What are the most common toxin forming bacteria in foodborne illness? (3)
Bacillus cereus - vomiting type
Clostridium botulinum
Staphylococcus aureus
What are the most common spore-forming bacteria in foodborne illness? (3)
Bacillus cereus
Clostridium botulinum
Clostridium perfringens
What are the most common toxin-mediated bacteria in foodborne illness?
Clostridium perfringens
Bacillus cereus
Shigella
Escherichia coli
What are the common illness-causing parasites? Where are they typically found? (5)
inadequately cooked food, contaminated drinking water
Trichinella spiralis
Entamoeba histolytica
Giardia lamblia
Anisakis species
Cryptosporidium species
What is Trichinella spiralis?
roundworm present in undercooked or raw pork, among other meats
What is Entamoeba histolytica?
has many names - traveler’s diarrhea, Montezuma’s revenge, and others
caused by an amoeba found in contaminated water
What is Giardia lablia?
a protozoan transmitted by infected food handlers or contaminated water
What are Anisakis species?
roundworms found in certain species of fish that can be destroyed by cooking or freezing
What is the pH range for Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS) foods?
4.6 to 7.5
What are some examples of TCS foods?
meat and poultry
shellfish and crustaceans
tofu and soy
milk and milk products
garlic and oil mixtures
cooked rice, beans, pasta, potatoes
raw seed sprouts
sliced melons
What is the temperature danger zone?
41 degrees F to 135 degrees F
provides optimal conditions for bacterial growth
What is protocol for reheating food items?
the complete portion must reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees F for 15 seconds
What are the employee illnesses that must be reported to the person in charge of a food facility? (6)
Norovirus
Hepatitis A
Shigella
Enterohemorrhagic or Shiga toxin-producing E. coli
Salmonella typhi
Non-typhoidal Salmonella
How is the term “contamination” defined when used in connection with a communicable disease?
Presence of pathogenic agents on a surface, article, or substance
What is the MOST common contributing factor to foodborne illness?
Insect and rodent infestations
dirty equipment
incorrect labeling of containers
improper holding temperatures
Improper holding temperatures
Why are some foods classified as time/temperature control for safety?
they support rapid growth of pathogenic microorganisms
Which food does not require refrigeration at 41 degrees F?
open container of garlic in oil
tofu
sliced/cut cantaloupe
UHT creamers
UHT creamers - ultra heat treated creamer that is shelf-stable until opening
What is the BEST means of inhibiting growth of microorganisms in fresh meat?
topical use of approved hypochlorite solutions
exposure to ultraviolet light for 30 mins
chemical preservatives
adequate refrigeration and cleanliness
adequate refrigeration and cleanliness
What is the MAXIMUM accumulated time that time/temp control for safety food can safely be exposed to the temperature danger zone?
Six hours
Must reach a temperature of 70 within the first 2 hours
If time only is used as a public health control, the MAXIMUM period of time recommended by the FDA for time/temp control for safety food to be held is
6 hours if the warmest part of the food does not exceed 70 degrees F
What is the MINIMUM period of time that the FDA recommends employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow?
20 seconds
Unpasteurized eggs NOT intended for immediate service should be cooked to
155 degrees F for 15 seconds
What is the usual mode of infection from Salmonella?
Ingestion of contaminated food
What is the source of scromboid poisoning?
Histamines in the muscle of fish
All of the following are signs of spoiled fish EXCEPT:
strong odor
elastic flesh
gray gills
sunken eyes
elastic flesh
Which of the following shellfish are MOST likely to cause illness?
oysters
crabs
shrimp
scallops
oysters - Because oysters feed by filtering water, Vibrio and other harmful germs can concentrate in their tissues. When someone eats raw or undercooked oysters, germs that might be in the oyster can cause illness.
The laboratory reports a positive coliform test that exceeds permissible limits on a bottle of pasteurized milk. What does this indicate?
improper bactericidal treatment of the equipment
What is the MOST effective practice for preventing trichinosis in people?
Ensure fresh pork is cooked thoroughly
An HACCP plan is NOT required when
cooling and reheating TCS foods in bulk
What should NOT be done with food samples collected during a foodborne illness investigation?
refrigerate
freeze
seal
label
freeze
What is the PRIMARY requirement in designing a food service facility?
cleanability
What is the MOST important rule of food storage?
“first in, first out” rule
Insecticides/pesticides may be stored in all ways EXCEPT:
metal locked cabinet
lowest shelf in the storage room
above the dishwashing sinks
in the basement separate from food and other chemicals
above dishwashing sinks
What is a public water system defined as?
Provides water for human consumption to at least 15 connections or at least 25 individuals for 60 days out of the year
Define a community water system
a public water system that supplies water to the same population year-round
Define non-transient Non-community water systems
Provide examples
regularly supplies water to at least 25 of the same people at least six months per year, but not year round
ex: schools, factories, office buildings, hospitals
Define transient non-community water systems
provides water in a place such as a gas station or campground where people do not remain for long periods of time
What is the microbiological quality of potable water?
expressed in terms of concentration, frequency, presence, or absence of a particular species of bacteria
Under the SDWA, who is charged with ensuring safe public drinking water?
The EPA
What contaminants were addressed in the SDWA?
inorganic, volatile organic, and synthetic organic chemicals
pesticides
herbicides
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
radionuclides
trihalomethanes
microbial contaminants
What are the three contaminant bacteria addressed by the surface water treatment rule?
giardia
cryptosporidium
legionella
What is the hydrologic cycle?
the constant movement of water above, on, and below the earth’s surface
surface water and groundwater are interconnected by this cycle
What is groundwater?
water that has drained downward and finally reached a zone of saturation at which all the openings or voids in the earth’s materials are filled with water
What are the diseases that are usually associated with contaminated drinking water?
bacterial and viral gastroenteritis
cryptosporidiosis
giardiasis
infectious hepatitis
shigellosis
typhoid fever
cholera
paratyphoid fever
What are some inorganic compounds found in drinking water that may cause illness?
mercury
lead
copper
nitrates
nitrites
asbestos
What are water contaminants that might produce acute health effects?
nitrate
nitrite
contamination from E. coli
What contaminants in water may lead to chronic health effects?
benzene
vinyl chloride
tri-halomethanes
PCBs
dioxin
What are disinfectants used in water systems?
free and combined chlorine
chlorine dioxide
ozone
ultraviolet irradiation
iodine (in emergency situations)
What are examples of disinfectant byproducts?
trihalomethane
haloacetic acid
four most common trihalomethane:
chloroform
bromoform
dibromochloromethane
bromodichloromethane
What is the minimum requirement for free chlorine in drinking water?
0.2 ppm
What is the Coagulation and Flocculation process and how is it achieved? (Two steps)
the process of combining small, suspended particles into large aggregates in order to trap and remove microbiological organisms and turbidity
1. a chemical, such as alum (dehydrated aluminum sulfate) is added to the water to destabilize particles - rapid mixing promotes particle collisions.
2. flocculation - slow mixing process that transforms smaller particles into larger aggregates aka flocs
What are the sedimentation and flotation processes in water treatment?
solid-liquid gravity separation process
sedimentation promotes the gravity-settling of solid particles to the bottom of the water column where accumulated solids are then removed
floatation introduces gas bubbles into the water that attach to solid particles and create bubble-solid agglomerates that float to the top of the water column where accumulated solids are the removed
What are common particulates removed in water treatment filtration? (8)
clay
silt
colloidal and precipitated natural organic matter
metal salt
particulates from coagulation
lime-softening precipitates
iron and manganese precipitates
microorganisms
What are the most common materials used in granular media filters in water treatment? (6)
sand
crushed anthracite coal
garnet
diatomaceous earth
ilmenite
granular activated carbon
Describe a slow sand filter, including grain size.
Where are the solids removed?
Grain size of 0.25-0.35 mm, uniform coefficient no greater than 2.5
low filtration with no use of coagulation in pretreatment
relatively inexpensive
found particularly effective for removal of Giardia from low-turbidity water
solids removed almost entirely in thin layer on top of sand bed
Describe rapid filtration, including grain size.
Where are the solids removed?
grain size of 0.5 to 0.7 mm with uniform coefficient of 1.5
usually consists of a passage of treated water through a granular media bed with greater sand depth then slow sand filter
solids removed within the voids and on top surface
What are pressure filters?
Filter media contained in a steel pressure vessel
Water enters at a higher pressure than it leaves due to head loss in the filter medium, underdrain, and pipe connection
Generally recommended for drinking water
Describe diatomaceous earth filters
contain natural, powder-like material composed of the shells of microscopic organisms called diatoms as media
powder is supported in a thin layer on either a metal screen or fabric
water pimped through the layer
What type of well is LEAST likely to become contaminated?
drilled
bored
driven
dug
drilled
Diatomaceous earth filters:
should be supplemented by a chlorination system
should be integrated into a rapid sand filtration system
can be used for public water treatment system
can be used in a public sewer treatment system
should be supplemented by a chlorination system
Microbial pollution travels only a short distance through:
sandstone
smooth clay
fissured rock
limestone
smooth clay
What type of filter is recommended for use in small communities and rural places?
slow sand
All of the following are used to disinfect water EXCEPT:
chlorine
bromine
fluorine
iodine
fluorine
Backsiphonage may be prevented by all of the following methods EXCEPT
hydrostatic loops
vacuum breakers
sir gap separation
backpressure units
hydrostatic loops
Which of the following is the LEAST effective method for cadmium removal from drinking water?
activated carbon
iron coagulation
lime softening
ion exchange
activated carbon
Before a drinking water sample is taken, the sampling tap should be clean, free of leaks, and flushed for how long?
2-3 mins
What contaminant has been associated with learning and cognitive disorders in children who drink contaminated water?
lead
What are degradable pollutants found in water?
organic matter
oil and grease
phenols
cyanides
nitrogen
nitrites
ammonia
What are nondegradable pollutants found in water?
chlorinated hydrocarbons
nitrates
sulfates
metallic salts
hard detergents
phosphates
colloidal matter
The wastewater from flushing of a water closet, latrine, or privy is referred to as
black water
If a septic tank is pumped during a wet period, the:
water may flow into the tank
field may flood the tank
tank may float out of the ground
tank may be crushed by wet earth
tank may float out of the groun
Nutrients associated with eutrophication include all of the following EXCEPT
organic carbon
potassium
nitrogen
phosphates
potassium
Which of the following is LEAST important when reducing sewage to gases?
anaerobic bacteria
earthworms
protazoa
aerobic bacteria
earthworms
A septic tank maintenance worker has checked an empty tank for the presence of hydrogen sulfide. The test was negatic, and there are no odors indicating the presence of other hazardous gases. Is the tank safe to enter without a respirator?
No, because oxygen and methane were not tested
All of the following are true about ozone as a disinfectant EXCEPT
nontoxic to aquatic organisms
source of dissolved oxygen
excellent viricide
long-lasting residual
long-lasting residual
Aerobic bacteria require all of the following EXCEPT
carbon
magnesium
phosphorus
nitrogen
magnesium
What does a mottled brown and red soil indicate?
Inadequate aeration methods
Alternative small wastewater treatment systems are considered UNLESS
impervious formations are found at a depth of 10 ft
space is limited and surface water supplies are inadequate
highly porous formations exist
high groundwater exists
impervious formations are found at 10 ft
Lime coagulation, mixed media filtration, and activated carbon filtration will greatly reduce
EPA priority pollutants
It is known that some common pathogenic organisms found in wastewater will survive more than __ of harsh temperature extremes
2 years
A storm sewer is used to
remove rain other standing surface water
Stream pollution is sometimes apparent by
a zone of degradation
A young lake is considered to be
oligotrophic
If the septic tank will also have a garbage disposal unit feeding into it, what needs to happen?
size of tank should be increased by 50%
Sludge accumulation in a tank serving a normal home has been estimated at
18 to 21 gals per person per year
How often should a septic tank for a private home be serviced?
Every 3 to 5 years
Human disease from aerosols of wastewater:
are related primarily to wastewater treatment by the activated sludge, trickling filter, and spray irrigation processed
has been demonstrated from pathogens recovered in aerosols from the spray irrigation of treated wastewater
may be caused by very small numbers of organisms
is a hazard even to those who have had subclinical infections, and thus should have been immunized
are related primarily to wastewater treatment by the activated sludge, trickling filter, and spray irrigation processes
Plants absorb certain constituents of wastewater; using wastewater for irrigation of consumable plant products may present a heal hazard to humans if the water contains:
nitrates
iron
cadmium
chlorides
cadmium
