FREE Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) Questions and Answers
Which of the following diseases is specific to humans and is highly contagious?
Smallpox is caused by the variola virus and is characterized by a rash of raised, pus-filled bumps that cover the body. It is an infectious disease that spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets or direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated objects. Smallpox has been a significant public health threat throughout history, causing widespread outbreaks and mortality.
Why Are Hazard Control Strategies (Elimination, Substitution, and Engineering/Design Controls) More Effective At Preventing Injuries Than Exposure Control Strategies (Administrative, Work Practices, And PPE)?
Exposure control strategies (administrative, work practices, and PPE) are generally considered less effective in preventing injuries than hazard control strategies (elimination, substitution, and engineering/design controls). This is because exposure control strategies rely heavily on human behavior and compliance, and their effectiveness is dependent on consistent adherence to guidelines and proper use of protective measures. On the other hand, hazard control strategies act directly on the source of the hazard, either by eliminating it, substituting it with less hazardous alternatives, or modifying the work environment or equipment to minimize exposure. These hazard control strategies are inherently more reliable and consistent in preventing injuries as they reduce the reliance on human action and compliance.
When assessing worker exposure to contaminants in the air, how do you like to sample the air?
Personal air sampling involves collecting air samples directly in the breathing zone of the individual worker to measure the concentration of airborne contaminants to which the worker is exposed during their regular work activities. This method provides a more accurate and representative measurement of the actual exposure levels experienced by the worker.
The following, WITH THE EXCEPTION of _____, are all biological hazards.
Radiation hazards refer to potential dangers associated with exposure to ionizing or non-ionizing radiation from sources like X-rays, radioactive materials, or electromagnetic radiation from devices like microwave ovens or cell phones. Radiation hazards are not caused by living organisms but by the release of energy from various sources, which can have adverse effects on living tissues and cells.
Which of the following does NOT effectively lessen the risks associated with vibration?
Increasing the frequency by half would not be an effective strategy for reducing vibration hazards. Changing the frequency of the vibration would alter the characteristics of the hazard and potentially create new hazards without actually mitigating the existing ones. Effective vibration hazard reduction strategies typically focus on minimizing exposure and controlling vibration at its source rather than manipulating the frequency.
Which of the following air contaminants can eventually result in cancer?
Given the delayed onset of cancer and other health issues associated with these contaminants, it is essential to take preventive measures, such as testing for radon and conducting asbestos abatement when necessary, to reduce the risk of exposure and potential long-term health effects.
Industrial hygienists Have Interests in a Wide Range of Fields.
Industrial hygienists focus on various areas to protect the health and safety of workers in occupational settings. Their areas of interest include: Noise: They assess and control noise levels to prevent hearing loss and related health issues. Radiation: They evaluate and manage ionizing and non-ionizing radiation hazards in workplaces. Illumination: They ensure proper lighting conditions to promote visual comfort and prevent accidents. By applying scientific principles and engineering techniques, industrial hygienists work to identify and mitigate workplace hazards, creating safer and healthier environments for workers. Their efforts contribute to the overall well-being and productivity of employees in industrial settings.
To Determine If A Chemical Is Hazardous, Consider Each Of The Following, EXCEPT For .
"Selectivity" is not typically considered as a factor in determining whether a chemical is hazardous. Instead, the factors mentioned above are more relevant in assessing the potential risks and hazards associated with a chemical.
Which of the following is an illustration of an engineering control to lower a machine's noise level?
Engineering controls are one of the primary methods used to mitigate workplace hazards, including noise exposure. In the context of reducing noise from a machine, enclosing it with sound-absorbing material is an effective engineering control measure. The sound-absorbing materials can dampen or absorb the sound waves produced by the machine, preventing them from propagating into the surrounding environment and reducing the overall noise level.
OSHA advises maintaining temperatures between ____ and ____ degrees Fahrenheit and maintaining humidity levels between ____ and .
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity control in the range of 20%-60% for indoor workplaces. These recommended ranges aim to provide a comfortable and safe working environment for employees and help prevent health issues related to extreme temperatures and humidity levels. By maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity conditions, employers can promote the well-being and productivity of their workers.
If Employee Exposure To The "Action Level" Of ____ Occurs, A Hearing Conservation Program Is Necessary.
The "Action Level" is a specific noise exposure level set by occupational safety and health regulations. In the United States, as per the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, if employees are exposed to a time-weighted average (TWA) noise level of 85 dBA or higher over an 8-hour workday, then a Hearing Conservation Program must be implemented by the employer.
Which of the following "hierarchy of controls" strategies puts the most emphasis on eliminating the risk's root cause?
In the Hierarchy of Controls, different strategies are used to minimize workplace hazards and risks. Elimination is the most effective control measure as it involves completely removing the hazard or hazardous process from the workplace. By eliminating the hazard, the risk of potential harm is entirely eradicated, and employees are no longer exposed to the danger.
Which of the following exposure routes is the most typical?
Inhalation is the process of breathing in or inhaling substances or particles present in the air. It is a common route of exposure to various substances, including gases, vapors, dust, fumes, and aerosols. When substances are inhaled, they can enter the respiratory system and be absorbed into the bloodstream, potentially leading to various health effects, depending on the nature and toxicity of the substance.
Which of the following results from the condensation of a solid's volatile constituent in cold air?
When a solid material is heated to a high temperature, it can undergo sublimation or volatilization, transitioning directly from a solid to a gaseous state without passing through a liquid phase. As the volatilized particles mix with the surrounding cool air, they condense and form fine airborne particles or gases known as fumes. These fumes may contain various substances, some of which could be hazardous to health depending on the nature of the material and the conditions of the exposure. Proper ventilation and safety measures are important when dealing with substances that can produce fumes to avoid potential health risks.
Industrial hygienists are concerned about each of the following physical health risks, WITH THE EXCEPTION of .
Machine guarding is a safety measure rather than a health hazard. It involves implementing physical barriers or guards around machines and equipment to protect workers from potential mechanical hazards, such as moving parts, rotating equipment, or flying debris. While it is essential for worker safety, it is not directly related to assessing and controlling physical health hazards as the other examples mentioned above.
Which of the following biological agents is most frequently linked to eating preserved foods?
Botulism is a severe and potentially life-threatening foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This bacterium produces a potent neurotoxin called botulinum toxin, which can cause paralysis and respiratory failure in humans.