1. Why is the breast milk of Inuit women living in pristine northern areas higher in PCBs than women living farther south? A) These women consume PCB laden foods imported from the US and elsewhere. B) The local diet of fish and whale is contaminated with PCBs from the Alaskan oil industry. C) Natural PCBs occur in the soil. D) Inuit diets are high in fish, which are inherently high in PCBs. E) The local diet of fish and whale is contaminated with PCBs blown in from countries farther south. 2. The global distillation effect occurs when A) certain molecules in the atmosphere convert solar radiation to heat. B) volatile chemicals emitted in warm areas move to cooler latitudes. C) ozone in the upper atmosphere is destroyed, allowing more UV radiation to reach the planet. D) volatile organic compounds react in the presence of UV radiation to produce ozone. E) a layer of cool air traps warm air pollutants close to the Earth's surface. 3. What component of the atmosphere does the largest section of the pie graph shown below represent? A) Nitrogen B) Oxygen C) Carbon dioxide D) Water vapor E) Argon 4. What is the correct order of the layers of the atmosphere as shown in the figure? A) They are the stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and troposphere. B) They are the thermosphere, mesosphere, stratosphere, and troposphere. C) They are the mesosphere, stratosphere, troposphere, and thermosphere. D) They are the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere. E) They are the thermosphere, troposphere, mesosphere, and stratosphere. 5. Which of the following best explains the decline shown in the graph? A) Fewer cars. B) Less industrial output. C) Less electrical generation. D) Switch from coal to natural gas. E) Heat domes. 6. Why don't global oxygen concentrations change? A) Oxygen levels remain balanced by photosynthesis and cellular respiration. B) Photosynthesis replaces oxygen loss to air pollutants like NOx, SOx, and ozone. C) Oxygen levels have been increasing since the Industrial Revolution.
D) Excess oxygen is broken down by ozone in the upper atmosphere. 7. The direction and strength of winds depend on differences in A) air pressure. B) the tilt of the earth. C) relative humidity. D) cloud cover. E) distance from the equator. 8. What is the phenomenon responsible for the fact that water swirls clockwise down a drain in the southern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere? A) The westerly and easterly trade winds respectively. B) The Coriolis effect. C) The global distillation effect. D) The El Niño Southern Oscillation. E) The 25.1 degree tilt of the Earth's axis. 9. The Coriolis effect results from A) rising and falling air pressure. B) the Earth's rotation. C) the prevailing winds. D) heating of the earth near the equator and cooling near the poles. E) ocean currents. 10. How do primary air pollutants differ from secondary air pollutants? A) Primary air pollutants contain oxygen, while secondary pollutants do not. B) Primary air pollutants cause greater health impacts than secondary pollutants do. C) Primary air pollutants are released directly into the atmosphere, while secondary air pollutants are formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. D) Primary air pollutants are formed through photochemical reactions in sunlight, while secondary air pollutants are not. 11. Which of the following best illustrates a primary air pollutant? A) Carbon dioxide released from the burning of coal. B) Sulfur trioxide. C) Ozone produced in photochemical smog. D) Carbon dioxide released through photosynthesis. E) Phosphorus entering an aquifer from sewage runoff. 12. Which of the following best illustrates a secondary air pollutant? A) Carbon dioxide released from the burning of coal. B) Radiation released by the burning of coal. C) Ozone produced in photochemical smog. D) Carbon dioxide released through burning wood. E) Lead entering the atmosphere from the burning of gasoline.
13. How does carbon monoxide impact human health? A) It is responsible for global warming related illness. B) It irritates the eyes and skin. C) It impairs the ability of lungs to function properly. D) It reduces the blood's ability to transport oxygen. E) It suppresses the immune system. 14. How do nitrogen oxides impact human health? A) They are responsible for global warming related illness. B) They irritate the eyes and skin. C) They aggravate health problems such as asthma. D) They reduce the blood's ability to transport oxygen. E) They suppress the immune system. 15. Ozone is considered a secondary air pollutant because it A) is in the upper atmosphere. B) is formed by chemical reactions in the atmosphere. C) results in higher rates of skin cancer. D) results in asthma and other lung diseases. E) plays a secondary role in pollution. 16. An analysis of air pollutants in an urban area resulted in the detection of NO2, SO2, CO, and particulates. How are all these chemicals related? A) All of them are classified as primary pollutants. B) All of them are classified as secondary pollutants. C) All of them contribute to acid precipitation. D) All are components of photochemical smog. E) All of them are related mainly to the burning of methane. 17. How are nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, and carbon oxides related? A) All of them are secondary air pollutants that contribute to global warming. B) All of them are primary air pollutants that contribute to acid deposition. C) All of them are air pollutants that are formed by combustion of fossil fuels. D) All of them are air pollutants that result in respiratory diseases in humans. E) All of them are air pollutants with no known natural sources. 18. Automobiles and trucks are not an important source of which of the following air pollutants? A) Carbon dioxide B) Hydrocarbons C) Nitrogen oxides D) Particulates E) Sulfur oxides 19. Which of the following does not contribute to the production of photochemical smog in Los Angeles?
A) Warm, sunny climate. B) Surrounding mountains. C) Large number of motor vehicles. D) Household heating fuels. E) Temperature inversions. 20. Which of the following statements regarding photochemical smog is true? A) It was first described in Chattanooga, Tennessee. B) It is formed by reactions involving NOx, SOx, and COx and sunlight. C) It is caused mainly by particulates released during the burning of coal. D) It is formed by reactions involving NOx, HC, and sunlight. E) It is formed by reactions between CFCs and ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. 21. All hydrocarbons (except CH4) contribute to the production of A) particulates. B) acid deposition. C) the greenhouse effect. D) photochemical smog. E) thinning of the ozone layer. 22. How are carbon dioxide and methane similar? A) They are secondary air pollutants. B) They are important components of photochemical smog. C) They are important contributors to respiratory disease in humans. D) They are responsible for corrosion of metals and damage to plants. E) They contribute to global warming. 23. What is the main source of the pollutants nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides and carbon oxides? A) Photochemical reactions in the atmosphere. B) Burning fossil fuels at high temperatures. C) Reactions with water to form acids in the atmosphere. D) Reactions with ozone and ice crystals in the upper atmosphere. E) Natural plant-based isoprenes like those produced by pines in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 24. The bluish haze shown in the photograph is an example of what phenomenon? A) Photochemical smog produced by the temperature inversion in the mountains. B) Nitrogen oxides released from automobiles traveling on nearby highways. C) Particulates blowing in from urban areas. D) Hydrocarbons emitted from the trees in the forest. E) Acid deposition from the burning of coal to generate electricity. 25. Which of the following methods would best control photochemical smog in a heavily wooded area like Atlanta? A) Switching from the burning of coal to the burning of fuel oil or methane.
B) Reducing the number of motor vehicles. C) Switching to solar or wind energy for electrical generation. D) Cutting down the trees to increase sunlight. E) Increasing regulatory control over particulates. 26. The dark color of the emissions from this truck's exhaust pipe are most likely caused by what pollutant? A) Carbon dioxide. B) Carbon monoxide. C) Sulfur oxides. D) Nitrogen oxides. E) Particulates. 27. What are the two most important sources of primary air pollutants as illustrated by the pie graph shown? A) Volcanoes and forest fires. B) Agriculture and forest fires. C) Transportation and industrial fuel combustion. D) Electrical power plants and agriculture. E) Chemical industry and the paper industry. 28. Long-term exposure to which of the following pollutants does not result in bronchitis? A) particulates. B) sulfur oxides. C) nitrogen oxides. D) ozone. E) carbon monoxide. 29. Why is industrial smog usually worse in the winter? A) Cold temperatures prevent the dissipation of pollutants. B) Heat domes form, holding pollutants close to the ground. C) Pollutants react with ice crystals, forming ozone. D) Combustion of household fuels is higher. E) Pollution control devices are less effective at cold temperatures. 30. Why is photochemical smog typically worse in the summer? A) There is more solar energy to drive photochemical reactions. B) People tend to travel more in the summer. C) Temperature inversions and heat domes drive photochemical reactions. D) Warm temperatures prevent the dissipation of pollutants. E) Combustion of household fuels is higher. 31. How does photochemical smog form? A) The release of primary air pollutants.
B) Interactions occur between chemicals like CFCs and ozone. C) Reactions occur between secondary air pollutants and sunlight. D) The release of formaldehyde and radon inside of buildings. E) Reactions between sulfur oxides and water vapor. 32. Various types of air pollution have been linked to all of the following health problems except which of the following? A) Suppression of the immune system. B) Increased susceptibility to West Nile Virus. C) Inflammation of the respiratory tract. D) Skin cancer. E) Lung cancer 33. Why do air pollution dust domes often form in urban areas? A) Urban areas are usually in valleys. B) There are a high number of mobile sources that emit air pollutants. C) Pavement and rooftops concentrate heat and create relatively stable air masses. D) Large cities are usually located on peninsulas or islands. E) More electricity is generated in large cities. 34. Electrostatic precipitators use electrical charges to attract and track what pollutants? A) Ozone. B) Particulates. C) Sulfur oxides. D) Nitrogen oxides. E) Carbon dioxide. 35. Smaller cars, removal of sulfur from coal, and cooler combustion temperatures are examples of ways to do what? A) Reduce the total amount of pollutants produced. B) Reduce total amounts of pollutants after they are produced. C) Conserve energy. D) Reduce CFC production. E) Reduce secondary but not primary pollutant production. 36. What has been the major success of the Clean Air Act? A) Higher fuel efficiencies in cars and power plants. B) An increased focus on alternative sustainable energy sources. C) Significant decreases in emissions of nitrogen oxides. D) Significantly less air pollution. E) Significantly safer indoor air quality. 37. Where would you expect that the data for this graph was collected? A) A city street in the summer in Los Angeles. B) A city street in the winter in Denver. C) A city street in Chattanooga, TN in 1963.
D) Indoors in an older, poorly insulated building. E) Indoors in a new, well insulated building. 38. Look at the different emission levels in the bar graph below. What accounts for the increase in nitrogen oxides? A) Even though NOx emissions from each vehicle have been reduced, there are many more automobiles on the road now. B) Even though there are fewer cars on the road today, more NOx is released due to increased burning of coal. C) These gases are actually present in the atmosphere and cannot be reduced further. D) We have no means to control the output of NOx. E) Changes in agriculture have resulted in significantly higher deposition of NOx. 39. Why did lead pollution decrease significantly after the creation of the Clean Air Act? A) Lead is now removed from coal before it is used as fuel. B) Electrostatic precipitators mandated by the Clean Air Act have greatly decreased the amount of lead being emitted from smokestacks. C) Catalytic converters in cars greatly reduce the amount of lead emitted. D) Leaded gasoline was outlawed. E) Lead paint was outlawed. 40. Why is air pollution an increasing problem in developing countries? A) Increasing demand for electricity has resulted in the burning of more coal. B) Environmental quality is often a low priority for rapidly developing countries. C) Most people in developing countries own two cars. D) Developing countries are located in areas that tend to suffer from thermal inversions. E) Most developing countries refuse to invest in nuclear and hydropower technologies. 41. What was the major improvement to air quality contributed by the 1990 amendments to the Clean Air Act? A) The amendments required a significant decrease in indoor air pollutants. B) The amendments required significantly more efficient vehicles. C) The amendments required a significant reduction in 189 toxic chemicals. D) The amendments required significant reductions in the original 7 toxic chemicals listed. E) The amendments required all power plants to upgrade their equipment to reduce emissions. 42. Why is air pollution increasing in China? A) Increased burning of wood and dung for fuel as populations increase. B) Pollutants are coming into China because of the global distillation effect. C) Global warming is increasing the impact of temperature inversions and dust domes. D) Increased burning of coal for heat and industrial power. E) Increased reliance on leaded gasoline. 43. What is the largest contributor to urban air pollution in Latin America?
A) Burning of coal for fuel. B) Indoor burning of wood and dung for fuel and cooking fires. C) Increased industrial burning of fuels. D) Increased forest fires from the clearing of rain forests. E) Increase in numbers of motor vehicles. 44. What is the leading cause of death in children worldwide? A) Malnutrition. B) Acid deposition. C) Cancer. D) Respiratory disease. E) Lead poisoning. 45. Why are illnesses from indoor air pollution often overlooked? A) They resemble common ailments like colds or flu. B) They usually result long after exposure. C) They only occur in developing countries. D) They are easily controlled using modern healthcare. E) They are relatively rare. 46. What is the main source of the indoor air pollutant radon? A) The burning of wood and dung for cooking fires. B) Natural emissions seeping into building foundations from the ground. C) Cigarette smoking. D) Carpeting, fabrics, and furniture. E) The burning of coal for heating. 47. Which other indoor air pollutant increases the risk of radon-related cancers? A) Formaldehyde from carpets and furniture. B) Tobacco smoke from cigarettes. C) Para-dichlorobenzene from moth balls and air fresheners. D) Nitrogen oxides from unvented gas stoves. E) Asbestos from insulation. 48. According to National Academy of Sciences estimates, 12% of all lung cancers are related to radioactivity caused by which of the following? A) The burning of coal. B) Nuclear power plants. C) Residual atmospheric radiation related to nuclear weapons testing. D) Natural emissions that occur as uranium breaks down. E) Excess exposure to medical radiation related to X-rays and CAT scans. 49. Why is indoor air pollution a serious health hazard in some developing countries? A) The burning of coal releases significant amounts of particulates into the air. B) People smoke more in developing countries. C) Many homes rely on indoor burning of wood or dung without proper ventilation.
D) Most houses in these countries are well insulated, increasing household exposure to radiation. E) Most people in developing countries are exposed to household pesticides banned in the US and other developed countries. 50. Part of the reason air quality was so poor in Chattanooga, Tennessee in the 1960s was that A) there was a much higher concentration of cars than in other cities. B) the city is surrounded by mountains that kept pollutants from dispersing. C) the city is in close proximity to coal mining operations. D) there was a greater amount of pollutants due to the city's chemical and oil refineries. E) Chattanooga burned oil for fuel instead of coal or natural gas like most other cities at that time.
Answers: 1. E 2. B 3. A 4. D 5. E 6. A 7. A 8. B 9. B 10. C 11. A 12. C 13. D 14. C 15. B 16. A 17. C 18. E 19. D 20. D 21. D 22. E 23. B 24. D 25. B 26. E 27. C 28. E 29. D 30. A 31. C 32. B 33. C 34. B 35. A 36. D 37. E 38. A 39. D 40. A 41. C 42. D 43. E 44. D 45. A Environmental Science- W. Berkeley Kauffman
46. B 47. B 48. D 49. C 50. B Environmental Science- W. Berkeley Kauffman