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
carcinogens
cancer causing chemical
tertogens
affects embryos/fetuses
allergens
can cause allergic reactions
endocrine disruptor
affects hormones in body
when did the chemical disaster in ohio occur
february 3, 2023
what city/state did this event occur
West Palestine, Ohio
in the accident, 50 train cars were derailed, 5 of which carried a specific toxic chemical called
vinyl chloride
the vinyl chloride and other chemicals were detonated in a controlled
burn
many fish and ____ were killed and there were radially unnatural behavior patterns for _____, birds and other species
chickens; foxes
vinyl chloride boils at ___ degrees F, it is _____ flammable, and a 1 TARC ______. Vinyl chloride is one of the most likely chemicals to cause _____ in humans. In the Ohio disaster, there could be close to ______ gallons of vinyl chloride involved and burnt up into the atmosphere
7; highly; carcinogen; cancer; 150,000
According to the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substance Disease Registry) vinyl chloride in the air breaks down in a few ___ resulting in the formation of several other chemicals including ________, formaldehyde, and _____
days; hydrochloride; carbon dioxide
why did the narrator choose to take data from New Jersey on vinyl chloride?
the next major vinyl chloride incident happened in NJ and he needed to compare
How many gallons of vinyl chloride were spilled in the New Jersey Disaster
23,000 gallons (1/5-1/6 of Ohio)
what is the name of the railroad company that is responsible for the train derailment in Ohio
Norfolk Southern Railroad
Norfolk Southern Railroad donated ______ to the victims of the Ohio train derailment
$25,000
