Deck 20: Air Pollution

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT one of the major classes of outdoor pollutants? 

A) carbon 
B) sulphur 
C) smog 
D) nitrogen

Answer 1

C

Question 2

Which is the correct sequence of layers of the atmosphere,from innermost to outermost? 

A) troposphere-stratosphere-mesosphere-thermosphere 
B) mesosphere-stratosphere-thermosphere-troposphere 
C) stratosphere-thermosphere-troposphere-mesosphere 
D) thermosphere-stratosphere-mesosphere-troposphere

Answer 2

A

Question 3

What is the ratio of people living in urban areas with unhealthy air? 

A) one in every two people 
B) one in every six people 
C) one in every nine people 
D) one in every twenty people

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Which atmospheric layer contains ozone that contributes to the formation of smog? 

A) the mesosphere 
B) the thermosphere 
C) the stratosphere 
D) the troposphere

Question 5

What is one function of stratospheric ozone? 

A) it manufactures vitamin D for absorption by plants 
B) it prevents ozone formation in the troposphere 
C) it manufactures ultraviolet radiation 
D) it screens out gamma radiation

Question 6

Why are lichens able to track air pollution to its source? 

A) because they live a short time and they stay in one place 
B) because they are long lived and they stay in one place 
C) because they are widespread in the boreal forest and are long lived 
D) because they are widespread in the boreal forest and highly mobile

Question 7

Which of the following is a photochemical oxidant? 

A) ozone 
B) radon-222 
C) methane 
D) benzene

Question 8

Why should carbon dioxide be classified as an air pollutant? 

A) because the concentration in the atmosphere is decreasing 
B) because it is depleting the ozone layer and increasing skin cancer rates 
C) because it is contributing to global warming 
D) because the stratosphere is warming and carbon dioxide plays a role

Question 9

Which of the following is human health dependent on? 

A) low amounts of ozone in the troposphere and stratosphere 
B) high amounts of ozone in the troposphere and low amounts in the stratosphere 
C) high amounts of ozone in the stratosphere 
D) enough ozone in the stratosphere and little ozone in the troposphere

Question 10

How does the troposphere differ from the stratosphere? 

A) The troposphere has 1 000 times more ozone by volume. 
B) The troposphere has 1 000 times less oxygen by volume. 
C) The troposphere has 1 000 times more nitrogen. 
D) The troposphere has 1 000 times less ozone by volume.

Question 11

What is a lichen? 

A) It is a mutualistic relationship between a dinoflagellate and a coral. 
B) It is a mutualistic relationship between a coral and a fungus. 
C) It is a mutualistic relationship between an alga and a fungus. 
D) It is a mutualistic relationship between a coral and an alga.

Question 12

In which atmospheric layer does most of the Earth's weather occur? 

A) the mesosphere 
B) the thermosphere 
C) the stratosphere 
D) the troposphere

Question 13

Which pair of words describes what human activity is doing to the ozone layer in the troposphere and stratosphere,respectively? 

A) increasing it, decreasing it 
B) increasing it, increasing it 
C) decreasing it, increasing it 
D) decreasing it, decreasing it

Question 14

Which of the following is a volatile organic compound (VOC)? 

A) benzene 
B) methane 
C) sulphur dioxide 
D) carbon monoxide

Question 15

What are lichens particularly useful for? 

A) for indicating toxic waste sites 
B) for indicating water pollution 
C) for indicating pesticides 
D) for indicating air pollution

Question 16

What causes the atmosphere to divide into spherical layers? 

A) the concentration of oxygen in each layer 
B) the temperature changes from variations in absorption of solar energy 
C) the concentration of ozone in each layer 
D) the density of each layer

Question 17

Which atmospheric layer contains 75% of the mass of Earth's air? 

A) the thermosphere 
B) the troposphere 
C) the mesosphere 
D) the stratosphere

Question 18

What is the atmospheric boundary called at which a rising weather balloon would measure a sudden increase in temperature just after having measured a decrease in temperature? 

A) stratopause 
B) minipause 
C) mesopause 
D) tropopause

Question 19

What is one way that humans disrupt Earth's gaseous biogeochemical cycles? 

A) by using mist systems to water crops 
B) by mining limestone 
C) by adding carbon dioxide to the atmosphere as a result of combustion 
D) by emitting waste heat from air conditioners

Question 20

Which of the following would represent the thickness of the lower layer of the atmosphere,if the Earth were the size of an apple? 

A) the skin 
B) the white part of the apple we eat 
C) the whole apple 
D) the core

Question 21

Which two substances are generally required for photochemical smog to occur? 

A) the presence of phosphorous and nitrates 
B) the presence of sunlight and phosphorous 
C) the presence of sunlight and volatile organic compounds 
D) the presence of phosphorous and nitrogen fixing bacteria

Question 22

What primary pollutant is produced by the burning of coal? 

A) carbon trioxide 
B) carbon monoxide 
C) nitric acid 
D) sulphur dioxide

Question 23

What is one effect on human health of increased ozone in the troposphere? 

A) aggravated asthma 
B) skin lesions 
C) skin rash 
D) hepatitis

Question 24

What is the proper definition of acid rain? 

A) the wet deposition of secondary pollutants onto the Earth's surface 
B) the wet and dry deposition of secondary pollutants onto the Earth's surface 
C) the dry deposition of secondary pollutants onto the Earth's surface 
D) the wet and dry deposition of primary pollutants onto the Earth's surface

Question 25

What is the source of grey-air smog? 

A) carbonic acid particles suspended in the air 
B) carbon dioxide particles suspended in the air 
C) soot particles suspended in the air 
D) ammonium salts particles suspended in the air

Question 26

What would NOT likely affect the frequency and severity of smog in an area? 

A) the local climate and topography 
B) the fuels used in industry, heating, and transportation 
C) the size of the ozone hole over the Arctic 
D) the density of the population

Question 27

What is characteristic of a thermal inversion? 

A) Thermal inversions last only a few minutes to a few hours. 
B) Thermal inversions exacerbate pollution problems. 
C) Thermal inversion occurs when a layer of cold air prevents warm air from rising. 
D) Normally, cool air near the Earth's surface expands and rises, carrying pollutants higher into the troposphere.

Question 28

What rating would experts in risk analysis give to acid rain? 

A) It is a medium-risk ecological and human health problem. 
B) It is a high-risk ecological problem and a low-risk human health problem. 
C) It is a medium-risk ecological problem and a high-risk human health problem. 
D) It is a high-risk ecological and human health problem.

Question 29

Which of the following characterizes smog? 

A) Industrial smog consists of a mixture of sulphur dioxide, suspended droplets of sulphuric acid, and a variety of suspended solid particles. 
B) All industrial countries now use modern technologies to prevent industrial smog. 
C) In the United States, grey-air smog was less of a problem 30 years ago than it is now. 
D) Industrial smog is a problem primarily in the spring.

Question 30

Which industry does NOT lead to acid deposition? 

A) tar sand oil production 
B) coal-burning power plants 
C) ore smelters 
D) industrial plants

Question 31

What pH  would typically be expected of  natural rain in eastern Canada? 

A) 3.6 
B) 4.6 
C) 5.6 
D) 6.6

Question 32

Which substance would NOT likely cause a person to have an irritated respiratory tract on a sunny day in a large city? 

A) PANs 
B) carbon dioxide 
C) aldehydes 
D) ozone

Question 33

Where are the highest levels of acid deposition in the world? 

A) the United States 
B) China 
C) Canada 
D) Israel

Question 34

Which substance creates photochemical smog when it interacts with primary pollutants? 

A) sulphur dioxide 
B) oxygen 
C) sunlight 
D) water vapour

Question 35

What can be caused by acid deposition? 

A) increase in human respiratory diseases 
B) increased crop growth 
C) increased biodiversity in lakes 
D) increased absorption of toxic metals from water pipes

Question 36

What type of problem is the issue of acid deposition? 

A) It is a national problem. 
B) It is a provincial problem. 
C) It is a local problem. 
D) It is a regional problem.

Question 37

Which soil type is NOT susceptible to acid deposition? 

A) acidic soil 
B) soil that is low in buffering ions 
C) soil that is high in hydroxyl (OH-) ions 
D) a thin soil

Question 38

What describes the climate of an urban area with many vehicles in which photochemical smog occurs? 

A) warm, dry, and sunny 
B) cool, dry, and sunny 
C) warm, wet, and cloudy 
D) cool, wet, and cloudy

Question 39

Which area would be unlikely to have a temperature inversion? 

A) an area in the central plains 
B) an area near the coast 
C) the leeward side of a mountain range 
D) a valley surrounded by mountains

Question 40

What produces a thermal inversion? 

A) a lid of warm air on top of cooler, stagnant air 
B) cold air drainage 
C) a cold blanket of air that prevents warm air from rising 
D) precipitation

Question 41

What percentage of U.S.commercial buildings are considered to be "sick" due to indoor air pollutants,according to the EPA? 

A) 5% 
B) 10% 
C) 15% 
D) 20%

Question 42

According to the World Bank,approximately how many people die prematurely each year from breathing elevated levels of indoor smoke? 

A) 2800 
B) 28 000 
C) 280 000 
D) 2 800 000

Question 43

Which item contains formaldehyde? 

A) fingernail polish 
B) chalkboards 
C) paint 
D) carpets

Question 44

Which substance is contained in pipe insulation,vinyl ceiling tiles,and floor tiles? 

A) formaldehyde 
B) asbestos 
C) carbon monoxide 
D) chloroform

Question 45

Which of the following is NOT related to sick building syndrome? 

A) coughing and sneezing 
B) lung cancer 
C) chronic fatigue 
D) headaches

Question 46

What rating would experts in risk analysis give to indoor air pollution? 

A) It is a low-risk health problem for humans. 
B) It is a medium-risk health problem for humans. 
C) It is a high-risk health problem for humans. 
D) It is a high-risk ecological problem for humans.

Question 47

What is the second-leading cause of cancer,after smoking? 

A) nitrous oxide exposure 
B) formaldehyde exposure 
C) radon exposure 
D) sulphur dioxide exposure

Question 48

Which of the following is a characteristic of radon-222? 

A) It is a nauseating gas. 
B) It is particularly concentrated in underground deposits of limestone and sandstone. 
C) It is basically a problem in confined spaces and in underground wells located over radon-containing deposits. 
D) It is a product of organic decay.

Question 49

Which substance is a source of radon-222 in or around the home? 

A) furniture stuffing 
B) foam insulation 
C) dry-cleaning fluid fumes on clothes 
D) soil surrounding the foundation

Question 50

Which occupation is NOT likely to be associated with asbestosis? 

A) pipe fitter 
B) restaurant owner 
C) asbestos miner 
D) insulator

Question 51

Which substance is likely to be a cause of respiratory illnesses in developing countries? 

A) asbestos 
B) particulate matter 
C) formaldehyde 
D) cigarette smoke

Question 52

Which compound is NOT one of the four most dangerous indoor air pollutants? 

A) sulphur dioxide 
B) cigarette smoke 
C) asbestos 
D) radon-222

Question 53

What has acid deposition been linked to? 

A) excessive levels of soil carbon 
B) the contamination of insects by highly toxic methylmercury 
C) the weakening of trees such that they become more susceptible to other types of damage 
D) reduced nutrient uptake by tree leaves

Question 54

Which strategy to reduce acid deposition is probably ineffective? 

A) adding lime to neutralize the acids 
B) switching to natural gas 
C) removing sulphur from coal before it is burned 
D) reducing energy use

Question 55

Which condition is NOT likely to result from exposure to indoor formaldehyde pollution? 

A) ulcers 
B) headaches 
C) dizziness 
D) chronic breathing problems

Question 56

What does uranium decay plus an indoor air pollutant produce? 

A) radioactive radon 
B) radioactive lead 
C) radioactive plutonium 
D) radioactive radium

Question 57

In which application is asbestos NOT likely to be used? 

A) fireproofing 
B) insulation of heaters and pipes 
C) wall and ceiling decoration 
D) insulation of refrigerators

Question 58

What does furniture stuffing,paneling,particle board,and foam insulation contain? 

A) carbon monoxide 
B) asbestos 
C) chloroform 
D) formaldehyde

Question 59

What protects humans from air pollution? 

A) special cells with arm-like extensions that capture small particles 
B) walking away from the direction of the wind 
C) a screen-like mesh of fibres within the lung tissue 
D) tiny, mucus-coated, hairlike structures called cilia

Question 60

At what pH does acid deposition have harmful effects on terrestrial ecosystems? 

A) a pH level of 4 or less 
B) a pH level of 5 or less 
C) a pH level of 6 or less 
D) a pH level of 7 or less

Question 61

Which chronic disease would NOT likely be worsened by ozone in photochemical smog? 

A) asthma 
B) diabetes 
C) bronchitis 
D) emphysema

Question 62

Which pollutant can penetrate the lungs' natural defences? 

A) fine and ultrafine suspended particles 
B) ozone 
C) large suspended particles 
D) acid rain

Question 63

What is the annual human death rate associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution,according to the WHO? 

A) 24 000 
B) 1/4 million 
C) 2.4 million 
D) 24 million

Question 64

The World Bank estimates that reducing fine particulate levels to WHO guidelines would save thousands of lives.

Question 65

What would NOT likely be damaged by air pollution? 

A) clothing 
B) a plastic swimming pool 
C) a marble statue 
D) exterior paint on a car

Question 66

Dispersing pollutants above the thermal inversion layer is unlikely to help reduce pollution levels in the long run.

Question 67

What is one way to reduce outdoor air pollution from coal-burning facilities? 

A) cap-and-trade 
B) convert coal to gaseous fuel 
C) partial zero emissions 
D) emissions cap

Question 68

What is caused by carbon monoxide poisoning? 

A) sped up reflexes 
B) headaches and dizziness 
C) too much oxygen in the blood 
D) sharpened thinking and perceptions

Question 69

The effectiveness of the pollution prevention approach is best illustrated by the sharp drop in atmospheric lead.

Question 70

The use of emission-control devices on motor vehicles would help minimize pollution.

Question 71

Which of the following emits fine and ultrafine particles? 

A) coal dust 
B) splitting wood 
C) tobacco smoke 
D) insecticide dust

Question 72

In which area have trees been seriously affected by U.S.air pollution? 

A) in the Sierra Nevada Mountains 
B) in the Rocky Mountains 
C) in the Olympic Mountains 
D) in the Canadian Shield

Question 73

Which of the following is an unlikely source of carbon monoxide? 

A) cigarette smoking 
B) faulty heating systems 
C) anaerobic respiration 
D) motor vehicles

Question 74

Two methods of preventing the pollution associated with motor vehicle emissions would be to improve fuel efficiency and to modify the internal combustion engine to reduce emissions.

Question 75

What is caused by acid deposition? 

A) better preserved statues, buildings, and car finishes 
B) neutralized water in lakes low in limestone 
C) decreased mobility of toxic metals 
D) many species of fish are killed

Question 76

Particulates can be removed from stack exhaust gases by wet scrubbers and baghouse filters.

Question 77

What could result from tree leaves and needles being chronically exposed to air pollutants? 

A) increased uptake of nutrients by the needles and leaves 
B) leaves or needles that turn bright red and drop off 
C) build up of a waxy coating on the needles or leaves 
D) increased chance of the tree incurring damage from diseases, pests, drought, and frost

Question 78

Which U.S.president did NOT consider acid rain to be a problem when our Canadian Prime Minister approached him with the topic? 

A) Jimmy Carter 
B) George W. Bush Jr. 
C) George H.W. Bush Sr. 
D) Ronald Reagan

Question 79

Which disease has an incidence rate that is affected by cigarette smoking and air pollutants? 

A) asbestosis 
B) skin cancer 
C) hepatitis 
D) chronic bronchitis

Question 80

What condition may be a result of fine and ultrafine particles being lodged in the lungs? 

A) hepatitis 
B) interference with uptake of carbon monoxide in the blood 
C) skin cancer 
D) asthma attacks