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.
How can stricter safety regulations for nuclear power plants help protect the environment?
They reduce the risk of nuclear accidents, preventing the release of radioactive materials into the environment.
How can requiring double-layered walls on oil tankers help protect the environment?
It provides extra protection against oil spills, reducing the amount of oil released into marine ecosystems.
How can using scrubbers in industrial factories help protect the environment?
Scrubbers filter pollutants from industrial emissions, reducing air pollution and its harmful effects.
How can government regulations for the storage of hazardous chemicals help protect the environment?
They prevent accidental releases of toxic chemicals, reducing the risk of soil and water contamination.
How can reducing the burning of coal help protect coral reefs?
Reducing coal burning decreases ocean acidification, which helps prevent coral bleaching.
How can increased use of renewable energy sources help protect coral reefs?
It decreases ocean acidification, which helps prevent coral bleaching.
How can checking fish for mercury levels help protect human health?
It prevents people from consuming fish with high levels of mercury, reducing the risk of Minamata Disease.
Explain the importance of safety regulations in nuclear power plants.
Strict safety regulations and frequent inspections are crucial to prevent nuclear disasters and protect public health and the environment.
What is the significance of double-layered walls in oil tankers?
Double-layered walls provide extra protection against oil spills, reducing the risk of environmental damage from tanker accidents.
Explain the role of scrubbers in reducing air pollution.
Scrubbers filter pollutants from industrial emissions, reducing the amount of harmful substances released into the atmosphere.
Why is proper waste disposal important?
Proper waste disposal prevents contamination of soil and water, protecting human health and the environment from toxic chemicals.
Explain the connection between fossil fuels, climate change, and ocean health.
Burning fossil fuels increases CO2 levels, leading to climate change and ocean acidification, which harms marine ecosystems.
Why is government regulation important for hazardous chemicals?
Government regulations ensure the safe storage and handling of hazardous chemicals, preventing accidental releases and protecting public health.
Explain the concept of exclusion zones after a nuclear disaster.
Exclusion zones are areas around a nuclear disaster site deemed uninhabitable due to high radiation levels, preventing human exposure.
Why are coral reefs important?
Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, providing habitat for many fish species and protecting coastlines from erosion.
Explain how a thermal inversion worsens air pollution.
Thermal inversions trap pollutants near the ground, preventing them from dispersing and increasing their concentration.
What role does public trust play in nuclear energy?
Public trust in government regulation of nuclear reactors is essential for the acceptance and use of nuclear energy.
