Identification and Assessment of Health Risks Associated with Environmental Exposures
1. What is the first step in a health risk assessment?
A. Risk characterization
B. Hazard identification
C. Exposure assessment
D. Risk management
Answer: B
Explanation: Hazard identification involves determining whether a substance or condition poses a health risk.
2. Which of the following is an example of a biological hazard in environmental health?
A. Lead in drinking water
B. Pesticide residues in food
C. Bacteria in untreated wastewater
D. Carbon monoxide from vehicles
Answer: C
Explanation: Bacteria and viruses in water and air are biological hazards that can cause diseases.
3. What is the primary route of human exposure to heavy metals in contaminated drinking water?
A. Inhalation
B. Dermal absorption
C. Ingestion
D. Injection
Answer: C
Explanation: Heavy metals such as lead and mercury in drinking water primarily affect humans through ingestion.
4. Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the severity of an environmental health risk?
A. Dose of exposure
B. Duration of exposure
C. Individual sensitivity
D. Public opinion
Answer: D
Explanation: Public opinion does not affect the scientific assessment of health risks.
5. Which type of chemical hazard is commonly found in industrial wastewater and can cause long-term health effects?
A. Bacteria
B. Heavy metals
C. Pollen
D. Carbon dioxide
Answer: B
Explanation: Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic are commonly found in industrial waste and pose long-term health risks.
6. Which pollutant is most commonly associated with indoor air quality concerns?
A. Carbon monoxide
B. Ozone
C. Nitrogen dioxide
D. Sulfur dioxide
Answer: A
Explanation: Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly in poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
7. Which environmental exposure is most associated with respiratory diseases like asthma?
A. Noise pollution
B. Groundwater contamination
C. Airborne particulate matter (PM2.5)
D. Plastic waste
Answer: C
Explanation: Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) can penetrate the lungs and cause asthma, lung disease, and cardiovascular problems.
8. What is the primary health risk associated with prolonged exposure to high levels of arsenic in drinking water?
A. Liver failure
B. Skin cancer
C. Hypertension
D. Diabetes
Answer: B
Explanation: Arsenic is a known carcinogen that increases the risk of skin, lung, and bladder cancer.
9. Which of the following groups is most vulnerable to environmental health risks?
A. Young adults
B. Elderly individuals and children
C. Middle-aged workers
D. Healthy athletes
Answer: B
Explanation: Children and the elderly have weaker immune systems and are more susceptible to environmental hazards.
10. Which of the following pollutants is a major cause of waterborne diseases?
A. Nitrates
B. Pesticides
C. Pathogenic bacteria
D. Heavy metals
Answer: C
Explanation: Pathogenic bacteria like E. coli, Vibrio cholerae, and Salmonella can cause waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.
Methods for Evaluating and Managing Health Risks
11. Which step in health risk assessment determines how much of a hazard people are exposed to?
A. Risk characterization
B. Exposure assessment
C. Risk communication
D. Hazard control
Answer: B
Explanation: Exposure assessment evaluates the extent, duration, and frequency of exposure to hazards.
12. Which statistical tool is commonly used in public health studies to determine exposure-disease relationships?
A. T-test
B. Regression analysis
C. ANOVA
D. Standard deviation
Answer: B
Explanation: Regression analysis helps identify relationships between exposure levels and health outcomes.
13. What is the most effective method for controlling health risks from industrial air pollution?
A. Installing air filters
B. Relocating affected populations
C. Reducing emissions at the source
D. Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE)
Answer: C
Explanation: Source reduction (reducing emissions) is the most effective long-term solution for managing industrial air pollution.
14. Which approach is commonly used to assess the cumulative impact of multiple environmental hazards?
A. Dose-response assessment
B. Aggregate risk assessment
C. Single-exposure analysis
D. Community health surveys
Answer: B
Explanation: Aggregate risk assessment considers combined exposures from different sources.
15. Which regulation governs drinking water quality in the Philippines?
A. Clean Air Act
B. Philippine Environmental Code
C. Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water (PNSDW)
D. Solid Waste Management Act
Answer: C
Explanation: The PNSDW sets the standards and guidelines for safe drinking water in the Philippines.
16. What is the primary goal of risk communication in public health?
A. To inform policymakers only
B. To provide technical data to scientists
C. To educate and inform the public about health risks
D. To promote industrial activities
Answer: C
Explanation: Risk communication aims to educate and inform the public about potential health risks.
17. What is the key principle of risk management in environmental health?
A. Risk should be eliminated completely
B. Risks should be reduced to acceptable levels
C. Risk assessment is unnecessary
D. Public perception should dictate policy
Answer: B
Explanation: Total risk elimination is often impractical, so risks are minimized to acceptable levels.
18. Which of the following is a proactive approach to managing health risks?
A. Responding only after an outbreak occurs
B. Preventing exposure through regulations and controls
C. Treating affected individuals
D. Waiting for community complaints
Answer: B
Explanation: Preventing exposure (e.g., regulations, safety protocols) is proactive and effective.
19. Which risk assessment method is used to predict the impact of a pollutant on human health?
A. Hazard identification
B. Dose-response assessment
C. Epidemiological study
D. Risk communication
Answer: B
Explanation: Dose-response assessment determines the relationship between exposure level and health effects.
20. What is the most important factor in setting environmental exposure limits?
A. Cost-effectiveness
B. Public concern
C. Scientific evidence of health effects
D. Economic impact
Answer: C
Explanation: Exposure limits are based on scientific evidence to protect public health.
Public Health Policies and Regulations
21. Which law in the Philippines governs the management of solid waste to protect public health and the environment?
A. Clean Water Act
B. Clean Air Act
C. Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
D. Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Act
Answer: C
Explanation: Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, establishes guidelines for waste reduction, segregation, and recycling.
22. Which agency is responsible for enforcing water quality standards in the Philippines?
A. Department of Agriculture (DA)
B. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)
C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
D. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)
Answer: C
Explanation: The DENR, through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), implements the Philippine Clean Water Act and water quality standards.
23. What is the primary goal of the Philippine Clean Air Act (RA 8749)?
A. Regulate air travel
B. Promote waste incineration
C. Reduce air pollution and improve air quality
D. Manage solid waste disposal
Answer: C
Explanation: The Clean Air Act aims to reduce air pollution by regulating emissions from factories, vehicles, and other sources.
24. Which law sets drinking water standards to ensure safe and potable water for Filipinos?
A. RA 9003
B. PD 856
C. RA 9275
D. PD 1067
Answer: B
Explanation: Presidential Decree 856, also known as the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, includes regulations on safe drinking water.
25. What is the main purpose of the Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223)?
A. Provide free healthcare services to all Filipinos
B. Eliminate private hospitals
C. Improve road safety regulations
D. Limit the number of healthcare workers
Answer: A
Explanation: The Universal Health Care Act aims to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all Filipinos.
26. Which regulation governs the safe management of hazardous waste in the Philippines?
A. RA 9003
B. RA 6969
C. RA 8749
D. PD 1152
Answer: B
Explanation: RA 6969, also known as the Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act, regulates the handling and disposal of hazardous waste.
27. Which public health regulation requires food establishments to comply with sanitation and hygiene standards?
A. RA 9275
B. PD 856
C. RA 9512
D. RA 10068
Answer: B
Explanation: PD 856, the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines, covers food safety, water supply, waste disposal, and hygiene in public places.
28. Which agency is responsible for regulating and monitoring public health in the Philippines?
A. Department of Health (DOH)
B. Department of Transportation (DOTr)
C. Department of Agriculture (DA)
D. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)
Answer: A
Explanation: The DOH oversees public health programs, disease prevention, and healthcare services in the Philippines.
29. What is the primary goal of the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275)?
A. Regulate drinking water prices
B. Prevent and control water pollution
C. Promote mining activities
D. Reduce deforestation
Answer: B
Explanation: The Clean Water Act aims to protect water bodies from pollution through proper wastewater management and environmental monitoring.
30. Which regulation promotes sustainable environmental education and awareness among Filipinos?
A. RA 9512
B. RA 6969
C. RA 9275
D. RA 10068
Answer: A
Explanation: RA 9512, or the Environmental Awareness and Education Act, integrates environmental topics into school curriculums.