All Flashcards
Define 'criteria pollutants'.
Conventional pollutants with established air quality standards (SOx, CO, PM, VOCs, NOx, Ozone, Lead).
What is '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.
What are 'ozone-depleting substances (ODS)'?
Chemicals that destroy the stratospheric ozone layer (e.g., CFCs, halons).
Define 'carcinogen'.
A substance or agent capable of causing cancer.
What is 'hazardous waste'?
Waste that is dangerous or potentially harmful to human health or the environment.
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.
What does 'BPT' stand for?
Best Practicable Technology (required for point sources under CWA).
What does 'BAT' stand for?
Best Available Technology (required for toxins under CWA).
What is the Clean Air Act (CAA)?
US law setting limits for criteria air pollutants.
What is the Clean Water Act (CWA)?
US law regulating point source pollution discharges.
What is CITES?
International agreement regulating trade in endangered species.
What is CERCLA?
US law for cleaning up abandoned toxic waste sites (Superfund).
What is the Montreal Protocol?
International treaty to eliminate ozone-depleting substances.
What is the Kyoto Protocol?
International agreement aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?
US law protecting endangered and threatened species.
What is the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA)?
US law protecting public drinking water supplies.
What is the Delaney Clause?
A provision banning carcinogenic additives in food/drugs.
What is RCRA?
US law controlling hazardous waste from 'cradle to grave'.
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.