All Flashcards
Define thermal inversion.
A reversal of the normal decrease of air temperature with altitude, trapping pollutants near the ground.
What is bio-magnification?
The increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
Define ocean acidification.
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
What is industrial smog?
Smog resulting from emissions from industry and other sources of gases, especially sulfur oxides, and particulate matter; also known as gray smog.
Define photochemical smog.
Smog produced when ultraviolet light from the sun reacts with pollutants in the air; also known as brown smog.
What is a nuclear meltdown?
A severe nuclear reactor accident that results in core damage from overheating.
Define endocrine disruption.
When chemicals interfere with the endocrine system and cause adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in both humans and wildlife.
What is coral bleaching?
The expulsion of algae from coral reefs due to environmental changes, causing the coral to turn white.
Define Superfund.
A fund established to finance the cleanup of uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.
What is methyl isocyanate (MIC)?
A highly toxic chemical compound that was released in the Bhopal disaster.
What is a thermal inversion?
A reversal of the normal temperature gradient in the atmosphere, trapping pollutants near the ground.
What is bio-magnification?
The increasing concentration of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in the tissues of organisms at successively higher levels in a food chain.
What is a nuclear meltdown?
A severe nuclear reactor accident that results in core damage from overheating.
What is ocean acidification?
The ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere.
What is coral bleaching?
The expulsion of algae from coral, causing it to turn white, often due to environmental changes like increased water temperature.
What is industrial smog?
Smog resulting from emissions from industry and other sources of gases, often containing sulfur dioxide and particulate matter.
What is photochemical smog?
Smog formed when ultraviolet light from the sun reacts with pollutants in the air, primarily from vehicle exhaust.
What is methyl isocyanate (MIC)?
A highly toxic chemical compound whose accidental release caused the Bhopal disaster.
What is the Superfund Program?
A U.S. federal government program designed to fund the cleanup of hazardous waste sites.
What are scrubbers?
Air pollution control devices that remove particulate matter and/or gases from industrial exhaust streams.
What is the purpose of the CERCLA Superfund Program?
To clean up abandoned hazardous waste sites and protect human health and the environment.
What was the result of the Great Smog in London?
The Great Smog in London led to revisions to the Clean Air Act and requirements for scrubbers in industrial factories.