Environmental Contaminants Quiz

What is DDT an example of?

• A pharmaceutical compound

• A type of dioxin

• An outdated insecticide

• A plastic additive

What are PCBs used for?

• As a fire-proofing material

• As a plastic or paint additive

• In rocket or missile fuel

• In fertilizer production

What is a major source of human dioxin exposure?

• Combustion of waste and biomass

• Animal fats (meat, dairy, fish)

• Pharmaceuticals in sewage

• Pesticides in soil

Which compound is known to persist in soils and aquatic ecosystems?

• BPA

• PBDEs

• DDT

• Perchlorates

What is the impact of pharmaceutical compounds on aquatic organisms?

• They improve aquatic ecosystems

• They have no significant impact

• They disrupt aquatic organisms' endocrine function

• They are used as food by aquatic organisms

What are PCBs commonly found in?

• Food preservatives

• Paint and plastics

• Medications

• Cleaning products

What is a major environmental impact of PCBs?

• Air pollution

• Deforestation

• Aquatic ecosystem toxicity

• Soil erosion

How do PCBs affect fish?

• Improved swimming ability

• Spawning failure and endocrine disruption

• Increased growth rate

• Brighter coloration

What health issue can PCBs cause in humans?

• Improved immune response

• Reproductive failure and cancer

• Increased metabolism

• Enhanced cognitive function

How are humans typically exposed to PCBs?

• Direct contact with industrial machinery

• Consumption of animal products

• Inhalation of urban air pollution

• Drinking untreated water