ACE Environmental & Public Health 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Why are insects significant in public health?

They increase crop yields
They assist with recycling
They spread communicable diseases (Correct answer)
They control rodent populations

Correct answer: They spread communicable diseases

Insects play a significant role in public health because many species act as vectors, transmitting pathogens that cause communicable diseases to humans and animals. Mosquitoes, for example, spread malaria, dengue, and Zika, while ticks transmit Lyme disease. Understanding insect biology and control is therefore crucial for preventing disease outbreaks and protecting public health.

Question 2: What is the impact of improper pesticide application on the environment?

Improves biodiversity
Prevents erosion
Reduces pollution
Causes environmental contamination (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Causes environmental contamination

Improper pesticide application, such as using excessive amounts, applying in windy conditions, or near water sources, can lead to significant environmental contamination. This includes polluting soil and water, harming non-target organisms like beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life, and disrupting ecosystems. Adhering to label instructions and IPM principles is crucial to minimize these negative impacts.

Question 3: Which insect is a known vector of the Zika virus?

Culex mosquito
Tsetse fly
Aedes mosquito (Correct answer)
Housefly

Correct answer: Aedes mosquito

The Aedes mosquito, particularly species like *Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus*, is the primary vector for the Zika virus. These mosquitoes acquire the virus by feeding on an infected person and can then transmit it to others through subsequent bites. Control of Aedes mosquito populations is therefore a key strategy in preventing the spread of Zika and other arboviruses.

Question 4: How can pest control support environmental sustainability?

Using maximum pesticide
Ignoring minor infestations
Minimizing chemical use and using alternatives (Correct answer)
Eradicating all insect species

Correct answer: Minimizing chemical use and using alternatives

Pest control supports environmental sustainability by adopting strategies that minimize harm to the environment while effectively managing pests. This involves prioritizing non-chemical methods like cultural and biological controls, using pesticides only when necessary and in targeted ways, and selecting products with lower environmental impact. This approach reduces pollution, protects biodiversity, and conserves natural resources.

Question 5: What public health risk is associated with cockroaches?

They clean food spills
They reduce mold
They transmit allergens and bacteria (Correct answer)
They pollinate flowers

Correct answer: They transmit allergens and bacteria

Cockroaches are significant public health pests because they can transmit various pathogens and allergens. They often inhabit unsanitary environments, picking up bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli on their bodies and legs, which they then transfer to food preparation surfaces or directly onto food. Additionally, their droppings and shed skins contain allergens that can trigger asthma and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly children.

Question 6: Why is proper sanitation important in pest management?

It increases pesticide effectiveness
It creates new pest habitats
It prevents pest infestations at the source (Correct answer)
It makes pest sightings easier

Correct answer: It prevents pest infestations at the source

Proper sanitation is a cornerstone of effective pest management because it eliminates the essential resources pests need to survive and thrive. By removing food debris, water sources, and potential harborage sites, sanitation directly prevents pests from establishing infestations. This proactive approach reduces pest populations at their source, minimizing the need for chemical treatments and promoting a healthier environment.

ACE Environmental & Public Health 1

Why are insects significant in public health?