AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Pollution And Human Health

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Pollution And Human Health, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is a common source of dioxins in the environment?

Answer: Industrial waste incineration. High-temperature burning releases these persistent organic pollutants into air.

Flashcard 2: What is a primary source of phosphorus in water bodies?

Answer: Fertilizer runoff. Agricultural fertilizers contain phosphorus that washes into waterways during rainfall.

Flashcard 3: Identify a pollution control method for reducing nitrogen oxides.

Answer: Catalytic converters. Convert nitrogen oxides to harmless nitrogen and water in vehicle exhaust.

Flashcard 4: State one health effect of lead exposure.

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

Flashcard 5: What is the chemical formula for ozone?

Answer: $O_3$. Three oxygen atoms bonded together form this reactive gas molecule.

Flashcard 6: State one health risk associated with high ozone levels.

Answer: Respiratory irritation. Ground-level ozone inflames airways and reduces lung function.

Flashcard 7: What is the primary source of radon gas indoors?

Answer: Natural decay of uranium in soil. Uranium in rocks and soil naturally decays, releasing radioactive radon gas.

Flashcard 8: What is the primary effect of carbon monoxide on human health?

Answer: Reduced oxygen delivery to the body's organs. Binds to hemoglobin more readily than oxygen, causing oxygen starvation.

Flashcard 9: Which pollutant is primarily responsible for the depletion of the ozone layer?

Answer: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Break down ozone molecules in the stratosphere through catalytic reactions.

Flashcard 10: What is the definition of 'water pollution'?

Answer: Contamination of water bodies by harmful substances. Includes chemical, biological, and physical pollutants that degrade water quality.

Flashcard 11: State one health risk associated with high ozone levels.

Answer: Respiratory irritation. Ground-level ozone inflames airways and reduces lung function.

Flashcard 12: Identify a primary source of noise pollution.

Answer: Transportation vehicles. Cars, trucks, and airplanes generate significant mechanical and engine noise.

Flashcard 13: State one health effect of lead exposure.

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

Flashcard 14: Identify the main component of photochemical smog.

Answer: Ozone ($O_3$). Forms when sunlight triggers reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds.

Flashcard 15: State the main effect of carbon dioxide as a pollutant.

Answer: Contribution to global warming. Traps heat in atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect.

Flashcard 16: Which indoor pollutant is a byproduct of combustion?

Answer: Carbon monoxide (CO). Incomplete burning of fuels in stoves, heaters, and fireplaces produces CO.

Flashcard 17: Name a common source of non-point source pollution.

Answer: Agricultural runoff. Fertilizers and pesticides from farms spread over large areas without specific discharge points.

Flashcard 18: What is the primary cause of thermal pollution?

Answer: Discharge of heated water from industrial processes. Power plants and factories release hot water that raises aquatic temperatures.

Flashcard 19: What is the main greenhouse gas emitted from agricultural activities?

Answer: Methane ($CH_4$). Livestock digestion and rice cultivation produce significant methane emissions.

Flashcard 20: What is a major source of mercury pollution?

Answer: Coal-fired power plants. Coal contains mercury impurities released during combustion.

Flashcard 21: What is the main source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

Answer: Refrigerants and aerosol propellants. Used in cooling systems and spray products before being phased out.

Flashcard 22: Which heavy metal contaminant is commonly found in industrial wastewater?

Answer: Mercury. Used in industrial processes and persists in water, accumulating in organisms.

Flashcard 23: What is the main consequence of eutrophication in aquatic environments?

Answer: Decreased oxygen levels. Excess nutrients fuel algae growth, which depletes oxygen when decomposing.

Flashcard 24: Which air pollutant is commonly associated with vehicle emissions?

Answer: Carbon monoxide (CO). Incomplete fuel combustion in engines produces this odorless, toxic gas.

Flashcard 25: What is the definition of 'air pollution'?

Answer: Air pollution is the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere. Includes gases, particles, and chemicals that harm human health and the environment.

Flashcard 26: Identify a key indicator of water quality.

Answer: Dissolved oxygen levels. Low oxygen indicates organic pollution and ecosystem stress.

Flashcard 27: Identify a common effect of waterborne pathogens on human health.

Answer: Gastrointestinal illness. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in contaminated water cause digestive infections.

Flashcard 28: What is the primary source of nitrogen oxides in urban areas?

Answer: Vehicle emissions. High-temperature combustion in engines produces nitrogen oxides from atmospheric nitrogen.

Flashcard 29: What is the main source of particulate matter in urban areas?

Answer: Vehicle emissions and industrial activities. Combustion and mechanical processes release fine particles into urban air.

Flashcard 30: Identify a health effect of chronic exposure to benzene.

Answer: Leukemia. Benzene damages bone marrow, leading to blood cancer development.