Pollution and Human Health - AP Environmental Science

State one method for reducing sulfur dioxide emissions.

Using scrubbers in industrial plants. Scrubbers chemically remove sulfur compounds from industrial exhaust gases.
What is the main greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural activities?

Methane ( $CH_4$ ). Livestock digestion and rice cultivation produce significant methane emissions.
State the main effect of carbon dioxide as a pollutant.

Contribution to global warming. Traps heat in atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect.
Which pollutant is commonly found in acid deposition?

Sulfuric acid ( $H_2SO_4$ ). Forms when sulfur dioxide reacts with water in the atmosphere.
Which heavy metal contaminant is commonly found in industrial wastewater?

Mercury. Used in industrial processes and persists in water, accumulating in organisms.
State one health effect of exposure to high levels of noise pollution.

Hearing loss. Excessive noise damages hair cells in the inner ear permanently.
What is the primary cause of thermal pollution?

Discharge of heated water from industrial processes. Power plants and factories release hot water that raises aquatic temperatures.
Name a common source of non-point source pollution.

Agricultural runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides from farms spread over large areas without specific discharge points.
Identify a pollution control method for reducing nitrogen oxides.

Catalytic converters. Convert nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in vehicle exhaust.
What is a common source of dioxins in the environment?

Industrial waste incineration. High-temperature burning releases these persistent organic pollutants into air.
What is the chemical formula for ozone?

$O_3$ . Three oxygen atoms bonded together form this reactive gas molecule.
Identify a common effect of waterborne pathogens on human health.

Gastrointestinal illness. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in contaminated water cause digestive infections.
Identify a primary source of noise pollution.

Transportation vehicles. Cars, trucks, and airplanes generate significant mechanical and engine noise.
What is the primary source of formaldehyde indoors?

Building materials and household products. Adhesives, paints, and pressed wood products release formaldehyde gas indoors.
What is the main consequence of eutrophication in aquatic environments?

Decreased oxygen levels. Excess nutrients fuel algae growth, which depletes oxygen when decomposing.
State one health risk associated with high ozone levels.

Respiratory irritation. Ground-level ozone inflames airways and reduces lung function.
What is the main health concern associated with asbestos exposure?

Lung cancer and asbestosis. Inhaled asbestos fibers cause scarring and malignant tumors in lungs.
Which air pollutant is commonly associated with vehicle emissions?

Carbon monoxide (CO). Incomplete fuel combustion in engines produces this odorless, toxic gas.
Which pollutant is primarily responsible for acid rain?

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂). Combines with water vapor to form sulfuric acid, which falls as acid precipitation.
Identify the main component of photochemical smog.

Ozone ( $O_3$ ). Forms when sunlight triggers reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.
What is the definition of 'air pollution'?

Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Includes gases, particles, and chemicals that harm human health and the environment.
What is the main source of particulate matter in urban areas?

Vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Combustion and mechanical processes release fine particles into urban air.
What is a major source of mercury pollution?

Coal-fired power plants. Coal contains mercury impurities released during combustion.
Identify a primary source of carbon monoxide emissions.

Motor vehicle exhaust. Cars and trucks burn fuel incompletely, producing CO as a toxic byproduct.
Identify a health effect of chronic exposure to benzene.

Leukemia. Benzene damages bone marrow, leading to blood cancer development.
What is the definition of 'biomagnification'?

Increase in concentration of toxins as they move up the food chain. Toxins become more concentrated at higher trophic levels through bioaccumulation.
What is the main source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

Refrigerants and aerosol propellants. Used in cooling systems and spray products before being phased out.
What is a primary source of phosphorus in water bodies?

Fertilizer runoff. Agricultural fertilizers contain phosphorus that washes into waterways during rainfall.
Identify a method for controlling indoor air pollution.

Ventilation and air filtration. Fresh air circulation and filters remove indoor contaminants effectively.
Identify a key indicator of water quality.

Dissolved oxygen levels. Low oxygen indicates organic pollution and ecosystem stress.
Which pollutant is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere through catalytic reactions.
Which indoor pollutant is a byproduct of combustion?

Carbon monoxide (CO). Incomplete burning of fuels in stoves, heaters, and fireplaces produces CO.
What is the definition of 'water pollution'?

Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances. Includes chemical, biological, and physical pollutants that degrade water quality.
What is the primary source of nitrogen oxides in urban areas?

Vehicle emissions. High-temperature combustion in engines produces nitrogen oxides from atmospheric nitrogen.
What is the definition of 'point source pollution'?

Pollution from a single, identifiable source. Originates from a specific location like a factory pipe or sewage outfall.
What is the main health effect of prolonged exposure to particulate matter?

Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Fine particles penetrate deep into lungs and enter bloodstream, causing chronic health issues.
What is the primary source of radon gas indoors?

Natural decay of uranium in soil. Uranium in rocks and soil naturally decays, releasing radioactive radon gas.
What is the primary effect of carbon monoxide on human health?

Reduced oxygen delivery to the body's organs. Binds to hemoglobin more readily than oxygen, causing oxygen starvation.
State one health effect of lead exposure.

Neurological damage. Lead accumulates in the brain, disrupting neural development and function.

Study these flashcards