NEHA Hazardous Materials and Toxicology 3

Question 1

What is a 'carcinogen' in environmental health and toxicology?

Accepted Answer

A substance or agent that is capable of causing cancer

Answer

A substance that causes immediate acute poisoning

Answer

A substance that exclusively damages the kidneys

Answer

A physical agent that causes radiation sickness

Question 2

What does 'IDLH' (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) represent in hazardous materials management?

Accepted Answer

The maximum airborne concentration from which a worker could escape without irreversible health effects or death within 30 minutes

Answer

The minimum detectable concentration of a hazardous substance

Answer

The concentration requiring mandatory evacuation of surrounding communities

Answer

The legal threshold above which penalties are assessed

Question 3

What is the health significance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental health?

Accepted Answer

They are persistent organic pollutants formed during incomplete combustion that are carcinogenic and mutagenic

Answer

They are beneficial nutrients found in whole grains

Answer

They are useful disinfectants in water treatment

Answer

They are synthetic flavoring agents in processed food

Question 4

In hazardous materials response, what does the NFPA 704 diamond (fire diamond) communicate?

Accepted Answer

Health hazard, flammability, reactivity, and special hazard information for emergency responders using a 0–4 rating scale

Answer

The price and availability of a chemical

Answer

The specific emergency response procedures required

Answer

The legal classification of the material under RCRA

Question 5

What is 'environmental justice' as it relates to hazardous materials siting and environmental health?

Accepted Answer

The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people, regardless of race or income, in environmental decisions, and the avoidance of disproportionate environmental burdens on vulnerable communities

Answer

The legal process for prosecuting environmental crimes

Answer

The enforcement of environmental law against corporate polluters

Answer

The restoration of natural environments damaged by pollution

Question 6

What is a 'threshold limit value (TLV)' as published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)?

Accepted Answer

A recommended guideline for occupational airborne concentrations of chemical substances to which nearly all workers can be repeatedly exposed without adverse effects

Answer

A legally enforceable OSHA workplace standard

Answer

The minimum detectable concentration in air monitoring

Answer

A consumer product safety threshold for household chemicals