POSSIBLE EXAM QUESTIONS

Question 1

Definition of Epidemiology

Answer 1

branch of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and possible control of diseases and other factors relating to health.
- use historical data on human exposure to estimate risk

Question 2

definition of potency factor

Answer 2

slope of added risk above normal vs. concentration graph

Question 3

definition of toxic

Answer 3

causes damage to organ functions of living organisms

Question 4

definition of NOAEL

Answer 4

for non carcinogens

- No Observable Adverse Affect Level

Question 5

definition of dermal entry

Answer 5

entry through contact with the skin and then into the bloodstream

Question 6

How are environmental risks from landfill gas and leachate managed?

Answer 6

• landfill gas: low permeability final cover over landfill, with gas collection wells
• leachate: drainage layer - compacted clay and geomembrane liner - perforated leachate collection pipe - leachate collection sump

Question 7

Which objective of solid and hazardous waste treatment is the most important and why?

Answer 7

protecting public health

Question 8

Give three reasons why recycling might not be good for the environment?

Answer 8

• can consume more energy in recycling plant than energy saved by not reproducing
• recycling can release harmful toxins
• emmissions created by trucks etc. to collect recycling

Question 9

What are the parts of a solid waste management system?

Answer 9

1. Generation
2. Storage
3. Collection
   4a. Resource Recovery
   4b. Composting
   4c. Transfer Station
4. Landfill

Question 10

Describe the differences one might expect between solid waste management systems for a university and for a municipality

Answer 10

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