Pollution & Human Health (College Board AP® Environmental Science): Flashcards
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Why is it difficult to prove that a particular pollutant causes a particular disease?
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Why is it difficult to prove that a particular pollutant causes a particular disease?
It is difficult because people are exposed to many different chemicals and pollutants, and sources such as factories and vehicle exhaust release more than one chemical, any of which could cause the disease.
Define dysentery.
Dysentery is a contagious gastrointestinal infection characterized by bloody diarrhea.
True or False?
Factors such as genetics, exposure rates and time since exposure can also be the cause of an illness linked to pollution.
True.
These other variables may cause the illness, which makes a cause-and-effect link to one pollutant hard to establish.
Define mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is an uncommon and highly aggressive cancer, primarily resulting from exposure to asbestos.
For which diseases is the link between pollution and health relatively straightforward?
The link is relatively straightforward for dysentery, cholera, or typhoid caught from drinking contaminated water.
What causes dysentery?
Dysentery is caused by bacteria or parasites in contaminated food or water, and it can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then the mouth.
Besides human health, what does tropospheric ozone harm?
Tropospheric ozone also harms crops, forests, and other natural resources.
How does asbestos exposure lead to mesothelioma?
People inhale asbestos fibers, which settle in the lining of the lungs and other organs, leading to mesothelioma.
Where does dysentery primarily occur?
Dysentery primarily affects developing countries where sanitation conditions are poor.
True or False?
Tropospheric ozone protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation.
False.
Stratospheric ozone in the upper atmosphere protects Earth from ultraviolet radiation; tropospheric ozone is a pollutant in the lowest part of the atmosphere.
True or False?
Symptoms of mesothelioma usually appear soon after exposure to asbestos.
False.
Mesothelioma has a latency period of several decades, so symptoms may not appear until many years after exposure.
Name two diseases that affect respiration.
Asthma, COPD, and lung cancer all affect respiration.
Which groups face the greatest risk from dysentery?
Dysentery poses the greatest risk to young children and people with compromised immune systems.
Hypercapnia is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, while is a lack of oxygen.
Hypercapnia is an excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, while hypoxia is a lack of oxygen.
How does tropospheric ozone form?
Tropospheric ozone forms from chemical reactions in sunlight between pollutants from vehicles, power plants, and industry and natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from trees and plants.
As well as asbestos, exposure to silica dust and exhaust raises the risk of developing mesothelioma.
As well as asbestos, exposure to silica dust and diesel exhaust raises the risk of developing mesothelioma.
How is dysentery treated?
Dysentery is treated with antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs, together with fluid replacement to prevent dehydration.
Where are tropospheric ozone levels highest?
Tropospheric ozone levels are highest in urban and industrial areas.
Why is there no cure for most people with mesothelioma?
For most people there is no cure because diagnosis usually occurs too late for surgery to remove the cancer.
True or False?
Treating infected people is enough on its own to prevent the spread of dysentery.
False.
Preventing the spread of dysentery also requires access to clean water and improved sanitation.
How does tropospheric ozone affect people with respiratory disorders?
Tropospheric ozone can further damage people with respiratory disorders such as asthma and emphysema.
Name three symptoms of dysentery.
Symptoms of dysentery include abdominal pain, cramping, very loose and bloody stools, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
How can tropospheric ozone pollution be reduced?
It can be reduced by controlling emissions from industry, cars, and power plants, increasing public transit, biking, and walking, and increasing energy efficiency and renewable energy.
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