All flashcards
Flashcard 1: Which human reproductive issue is linked to POP exposure?
Answer: Infertility is linked to POP exposure. POPs disrupt reproductive hormones in both men and women.
Flashcard 2: What is an example of a POP used in agriculture?
Answer: Heptachlor is used in agriculture. This chlorinated pesticide was banned due to health risks.
Flashcard 3: What is one long-term environmental impact of POPs?
Answer: Persistent contamination of ecosystems is a long-term impact. POPs remain active in environments for many decades.
Flashcard 4: What is one way humans are exposed to POPs?
Answer: Humans are exposed to POPs through contaminated food and water. POPs concentrate in fatty tissues and food sources.
Flashcard 5: Define biomagnification as it pertains to POPs.
Answer: Biomagnification is the increase in concentration of POPs in the food chain. Concentrations increase at higher trophic levels.
Flashcard 6: What is the role of the Stockholm Convention?
Answer: The Stockholm Convention aims to reduce or eliminate the production and use of POPs. This global treaty coordinates international POP management efforts.
Flashcard 7: What is the environmental fate of POPs?
Answer: POPs persist in soil, water, and air for extended periods. They resist natural breakdown and accumulate over time.
Flashcard 8: Name one effect of POPs on wildlife.
Answer: POPs can cause reproductive and developmental problems in wildlife. POPs disrupt hormones critical for reproduction and growth.
Flashcard 9: What is a common method of managing POPs waste?
Answer: High-temperature incineration is used to manage POPs waste. Extreme heat breaks down POPs into less harmful compounds.
Flashcard 10: Why is international cooperation important in addressing POPs?
Answer: Because POPs can cross borders and affect multiple countries. POPs spread globally through air and ocean currents.
Flashcard 11: How do POPs impact global health?
Answer: POPs contribute to chronic diseases worldwide. Long-term POP exposure increases cancer and disease rates.
Flashcard 12: Identify a common source of POPs in urban areas.
Answer: Industrial emissions are a common source of POPs in urban areas. Manufacturing processes release POPs into urban air and water.
Flashcard 13: Which international treaty aims to eliminate or restrict POPs?
Answer: The Stockholm Convention aims to eliminate or restrict POPs. This 2001 treaty addresses the most dangerous chemicals globally.
Flashcard 14: What is the effect of POPs on aquatic ecosystems?
Answer: POPs can lead to declines in fish populations. POPs accumulate in aquatic food webs and harm marine life.
Flashcard 15: What is a notable effect of POPs on birds?
Answer: POPs can lead to eggshell thinning in birds. POPs interfere with calcium metabolism in bird reproduction.
Flashcard 16: Why are POPs considered hazardous?
Answer: POPs are hazardous due to their toxicity and persistence in the environment. They don't break down easily and harm living organisms.
Flashcard 17: Identify a method used to detect POPs in the environment.
Answer: Chemical analysis of soil and water samples detects POPs. Sophisticated instruments can measure trace POP concentrations.
Flashcard 18: Name one industrial process that generates POPs.
Answer: Waste incineration generates POPs. Burning waste at low temperatures can create new POPs.
Flashcard 19: How can POPs affect human development?
Answer: POPs can cause developmental delays in children. POPs interfere with normal brain and nervous system development.
Flashcard 20: What characteristic makes POPs particularly difficult to manage?
Answer: Their chemical stability and persistence make POPs difficult to manage. They resist natural breakdown processes for decades.
Flashcard 21: How do POPs affect endocrine systems?
Answer: POPs disrupt hormone function, affecting endocrine systems. They mimic or block natural hormones in the body.
Flashcard 22: What is an example of a pesticide classified as a POP?
Answer: Chlordane is a pesticide classified as a POP. This banned insecticide was widely used for termite control.
Flashcard 23: What is the role of public awareness in addressing POPs?
Answer: Public awareness encourages safer chemical management practices. Education helps consumers and industries make safer choices.
Flashcard 24: What does bioaccumulation refer to in the context of POPs?
Answer: Bioaccumulation is the buildup of POPs in an organism over time. Organisms absorb POPs faster than they can eliminate them.
Flashcard 25: What is an example of a POP used in agriculture?
Answer: Heptachlor is used in agriculture. This chlorinated pesticide was banned due to health risks.
Flashcard 26: What is the primary challenge in the disposal of POPs?
Answer: Their resistance to degradation makes disposal challenging. Normal disposal methods cannot break down these stable chemicals.
Flashcard 27: How do POPs typically enter the environment?
Answer: POPs enter the environment through industrial activities and pesticide use. Human activities release these chemicals into air, soil, and water.
Flashcard 28: Identify a strategy used to control POPs emissions.
Answer: Enforcing stricter regulations on industrial emissions is a strategy. Stronger laws limit industrial release of these chemicals.
Flashcard 29: Name one example of a POP.
Answer: DDT is an example of a POP. This banned pesticide still persists in many environments.
Flashcard 30: What is the significance of the 'Dirty Dozen' in relation to POPs?
Answer: The 'Dirty Dozen' refers to twelve POPs targeted for reduction by the Stockholm Convention. These twelve POPs were the first priority chemicals for global action.