Environmental Health and Justice Concepts

What did the 1995 Chicago heat wave and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic reveal about health outcomes in the city?

• Both events primarily affected wealthy neighborhoods.

• Both events had a random impact across all neighborhoods.

• Both events disproportionately affected neighborhoods with a lack of infrastructure and community resources.

• The heat wave only affected the elderly, while COVID-19 affected all age groups equally.

What are the two main categories of environmental factors that influence human health outcomes?

• Physical and mental environments.

• Natural and built environments.

• Urban and rural environments.

• Internal and external environments.

What is particulate matter (PM) and why is it a significant concern for public health?

• Large, visible particles in the air that cause immediate choking.

• Microscopic particles like dust or smoke that can enter the lungs and bloodstream.

• A type of gas released only from natural sources like volcanoes.

• Harmless water vapor that forms clouds.

Which common household activity is identified as a significant source of indoor air pollution, releasing smoke particles and nitrogen dioxide?

• Using air fresheners.

• Gas-based cooking.

• Vacuuming carpets.

• Watering indoor plants.

What characteristic of PFAS chemicals makes them difficult to break down naturally in the environment?

• Their small molecular size

• Their strong chemical makeup

• Their ability to evaporate quickly

• Their natural origin

During the 1995 Chicago heatwave, what factor contributed to North Lawndale experiencing significantly more heat-related deaths than South Lawndale?

• North Lawndale had a much older population.

• North Lawndale had more abandoned buildings and fewer community spaces.

• South Lawndale had higher rates of violent crime.

• South Lawndale had better access to public transportation.

What is the core principle of environmental justice, as defined by Dr. Robert Bullard?

• All communities should have equal access to natural resources.

• All people and communities are entitled to equal protection from environmental and public health laws.

• Environmental regulations should prioritize economic growth over public health.

• Only wealthy communities should have a say in environmental policy.

How does climate change impact different communities around the world?

• It affects all communities equally, regardless of their resources.

• It primarily affects communities in colder climates.

• It disproportionately affects communities that are not equipped with the necessary tools and support.

• It only impacts communities that contribute the most to pollution.