All Flashcards
What is the significance of environmental justice?
It recognizes that pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, especially lower socioeconomic communities.
Why are increases in waste a global concern?
Increases in waste lead to pollution, habitat destruction, and resource depletion, impacting ecosystems and human health worldwide.
Explain the 3 R's of waste management.
Reduce (minimize waste), Reuse (find new uses for items), and Recycle (convert waste into new materials).
How do human actions create opportunities for infectious diseases to spread?
Deforestation, urbanization, and poor sanitation can increase contact between humans and disease vectors.
What is the impact of oil spills on aquatic ecosystems?
Oil spills can devastate marine life, contaminate water, and damage coastal habitats, leading to long-term ecological and economic impacts.
What is the impact of landfills on terrestrial ecosystems?
Landfills can leach pollutants into soil and groundwater, produce methane, and take up large areas of land, destroying habitats.
What is the impact of mining on terrestrial ecosystems?
Mining destroys habitats, causes soil erosion, and can release toxic chemicals into the environment.
Explain the connection between pollution and human health.
Pollution can lead to respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurological disorders, and endocrine disruption.
Why are children and the elderly more vulnerable to the health effects of pollution?
Children's bodies are still developing, and the elderly often have weakened immune systems, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants.
Explain the importance of wetlands.
Wetlands act as natural filters for pollutants, provide important habitats for wildlife, and help control flooding.
Why is reducing waste at the source the most effective waste management method?
It minimizes the amount of waste generated, conserving resources and reducing the need for disposal.
Why is waste reduction important?
It minimizes the need for landfills, conserves resources, and reduces pollution.
How do wetlands act as natural filters?
They trap pollutants, excess nutrients, and sediments, improving water quality.
Why are children and the elderly more vulnerable to pollution?
Their immune systems are often less developed (children) or weakened (elderly), making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of pollutants.
What is the significance of LD50 in toxicology?
LD50 helps determine the toxicity of a substance by measuring the dose required to kill 50% of a test population. It aids in setting safe exposure limits.
Explain the difference between point and nonpoint source pollution.
Point source pollution comes from a single, identifiable source, while nonpoint source pollution comes from diffuse sources.
What are the main concerns regarding electronic waste (e-waste)?
E-waste contains toxic materials that require special handling to prevent environmental and health hazards.
Why is it important to understand the difference between bioaccumulation and biomagnification?
Bioaccumulation is the build-up of toxins within a single organism, while biomagnification is the increasing concentration of toxins as you move up the food chain. Understanding the difference helps to predict and mitigate the impact of pollutants on ecosystems.
What is the role of sewage treatment plants?
Sewage treatment plants remove pollutants from wastewater to protect water quality and human health.
Why are oceanic dead zones a major environmental concern?
Dead zones are areas with very low oxygen levels, which cannot support marine life, leading to ecosystem collapse.
Why is it important to consider environmental justice when addressing pollution?
Pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, and environmental justice seeks to ensure fair distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.
What is the purpose of RCRA?
To manage hazardous waste from 'cradle-to-grave', ensuring proper disposal and minimizing environmental risks.
What is the purpose of CERCLA?
To clean up abandoned toxic waste sites using a 'Superfund' to address contamination and protect human health and the environment.
What is the purpose of the CWA?
To regulate the discharge of pollutants into waterways, making it unlawful to discharge waste without a permit.
What is the purpose of the SDWA?
To ensure the safety of drinking water by setting health standards for drinking water sources and regulating contaminants.
What is the purpose of the Delaney Clause?
Prohibits the addition of any substance to food or drugs that is a known carcinogen causing reasonable harm.