Environmental Science Exam Review

These flashcards comprise essential terminology and concepts discussed during the lecture, focusing on environmental science topics such as pollution, health effects, and exam details.

What is vinyl?

A type of plastic commonly used in various products.

What is smog?

A type of air pollution consisting of fog and smoke, typically seen in urban areas.

What are point source pollutants?

Pollutants that enter a waterway at a single, identifiable location, such as a pipe.

What are non point source pollutants?

Pollutants that are diffuse and do not have a single point of origin, such as agricultural runoff.

What is ozone depletion?

The reduction of the protective ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere, primarily caused by CFCs.

What is acid rain?

Rainfall made acidic by atmospheric pollution, which can harm ecosystems and architecture.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The warming of Earth’s surface due to trapped heat from greenhouse gases.

What does compostable mean?

Material that can be broken down into natural substances by microorganisms.

What is a malignant tumor?

A cancerous tumor that can spread to other parts of the body.

What are STIs?

Sexually transmitted infections transmitted through sexual contact.

What is hypoglycemia?

A condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels.

What is hyperglycemia?

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels.

What are hazardous wastes?

Wastes that pose substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment.

Define virulence.

The degree of pathogenicity of an organism; how able it is to cause disease.

What is immunocompromised?

A state where an individual's immune system is weakened or not functioning properly.

What are hazardous waste disposal methods?

Techniques used to manage hazardous waste safely to prevent harm to human health and the environment.

What is the water scarcity issue?

The lack of sufficient available water resources to meet the demands for water usage.

What are respiratory diseases?

Diseases that affect the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system.

What does carbon tax policy aim to do?

It aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by taxing carbon-intensive activities.

What is lead contamination?

Presence of lead in the environment that can cause significant health problems.

What is an air quality index (AQI)?

A numerical scale used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become.