All Flashcards
What is the effect of lead regulation under the Clean Air Act?
Dramatic decrease in atmospheric lead levels.
What is the effect of ozone depletion?
Increased UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface.
What is the effect of point source pollution?
Contamination of water bodies and harm to aquatic life.
What is the effect of habitat destruction?
Loss of biodiversity and increased risk of species extinction.
What is the effect of climate change?
Rising global temperatures, altered weather patterns, and sea level rise.
What is the effect of unsustainable international trade?
Endangerment or extinction of species.
What is the effect of hazardous waste contamination?
Soil and water pollution, posing risks to human and environmental health.
What is the effect of the Montreal Protocol?
Reduction in ozone-depleting substances and recovery of the ozone layer.
What is the effect of the Endangered Species Act?
Protection and recovery of listed species and their habitats.
What is the effect of the Clean Water Act?
Improved water quality and protection of aquatic ecosystems.
What is the Clean Air Act (CAA)?
US law regulating air emissions from stationary and mobile sources; sets air quality standards.
What is the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
US law regulating discharges of pollutants into waterways; aims to make water 'fishable and swimmable'.
What is CITES?
International agreement regulating trade in endangered species to prevent extinction.
What is CERCLA?
US law (Superfund) for cleaning up abandoned hazardous waste sites; holds polluters accountable.
What is the Montreal Protocol?
International treaty to phase out ozone-depleting substances.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
International agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; US did not sign.
What is the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
US law protecting endangered and threatened species; restricts activities harming listed species.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
US law protecting public drinking water supplies; sets standards for contaminants.
What is the Delaney Clause?
Part of US Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act; prohibits carcinogenic additives in food and drugs.
What is RCRA?
US law regulating hazardous waste from 'cradle to grave'; tracks waste from generation to disposal.
Define 'criteria pollutants'.
Common air pollutants with set limits under the Clean Air Act.
Define 'point source pollution'.
Pollution from a single, identifiable source.
Define 'endangered species'.
A species in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range.
Define 'threatened species'.
A species likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.
Define 'ozone-depleting substances (ODS)'.
Substances that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer.
Define 'carcinogen'.
A substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue.
Define 'hazardous waste'.
Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.
Define 'Superfund site'.
A contaminated site identified for cleanup under CERCLA.
Define 'primary standards' (CAA).
Air quality standards set to protect human health.
Define 'secondary standards' (CAA).
Air quality standards set to protect property, visibility, and crops.