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Criteria Pollutants and Their Effects

Description: This quiz will test your knowledge on criteria pollutants and their effects on human health and the environment.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: criteria pollutants air quality environmental health
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Which of the following is NOT a criteria pollutant as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

  1. Carbon monoxide

  2. Lead

  3. Nitrogen dioxide

  4. Ozone


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Lead is not a criteria pollutant, but it is a hazardous air pollutant regulated by the EPA.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to carbon monoxide?

  1. Increased risk of heart attack

  2. Impaired cognitive function

  3. Respiratory irritation

  4. Cancer


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Carbon monoxide binds to hemoglobin in the blood, reducing the amount of oxygen that can be carried to the heart and other organs.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of nitrogen dioxide emissions?

  1. Power plants

  2. Motor vehicles

  3. Industrial boilers

  4. Residential wood burning


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Residential wood burning is not a major source of nitrogen dioxide emissions, although it can contribute to local air pollution.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to ozone?

  1. Increased risk of asthma attacks

  2. Impaired lung function

  3. Eye irritation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Ozone can cause a range of health effects, including increased risk of asthma attacks, impaired lung function, and eye irritation.

Which of the following is NOT a criteria pollutant regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act?

  1. Particulate matter

  2. Sulfur dioxide

  3. Volatile organic compounds

  4. Carbon dioxide


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Carbon dioxide is not a criteria pollutant regulated by the EPA under the Clean Air Act, although it is a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to particulate matter?

  1. Increased risk of heart disease

  2. Impaired lung function

  3. Cancer

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Particulate matter can cause a range of health effects, including increased risk of heart disease, impaired lung function, and cancer.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of particulate matter emissions?

  1. Power plants

  2. Motor vehicles

  3. Industrial activities

  4. Natural sources (e.g., dust, pollen)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural sources are not a major source of particulate matter emissions, although they can contribute to local air pollution.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to sulfur dioxide?

  1. Increased risk of respiratory infections

  2. Impaired lung function

  3. Eye irritation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Sulfur dioxide can cause a range of health effects, including increased risk of respiratory infections, impaired lung function, and eye irritation.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of sulfur dioxide emissions?

  1. Power plants

  2. Industrial boilers

  3. Motor vehicles

  4. Residential heating


Correct Option: C
Explanation:

Motor vehicles are not a major source of sulfur dioxide emissions, although they can contribute to local air pollution.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?

  1. Increased risk of cancer

  2. Impaired cognitive function

  3. Eye irritation

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

VOCs can cause a range of health effects, including increased risk of cancer, impaired cognitive function, and eye irritation.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of VOC emissions?

  1. Motor vehicles

  2. Industrial solvents

  3. Paints and coatings

  4. Natural sources (e.g., trees, plants)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural sources are not a major source of VOC emissions, although they can contribute to local air pollution.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to lead?

  1. Impaired cognitive function

  2. Increased risk of heart disease

  3. Cancer

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Lead can cause a range of health effects, including impaired cognitive function, increased risk of heart disease, and cancer.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of lead emissions?

  1. Industrial activities

  2. Motor vehicles (using leaded gasoline)

  3. Residential heating (using leaded fuel)

  4. Natural sources (e.g., lead-containing minerals)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural sources are not a major source of lead emissions, although they can contribute to local air pollution.

What is the primary health effect of exposure to mercury?

  1. Impaired cognitive function

  2. Increased risk of heart disease

  3. Cancer

  4. All of the above


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Mercury can cause a range of health effects, including impaired cognitive function, increased risk of heart disease, and cancer.

Which of the following is NOT a major source of mercury emissions?

  1. Power plants (burning coal)

  2. Industrial activities (e.g., mining, manufacturing)

  3. Residential heating (using coal or wood)

  4. Natural sources (e.g., volcanic eruptions)


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Natural sources are not a major source of mercury emissions, although they can contribute to local air pollution.

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