What year was the Clean Air Act originally enacted?
1970
The Act was revised in 1977 and 1990.
What prompted the passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970?
Dense, visible smog in cities and industrial centers
This occurred during the height of the national environmental movement.
What is the primary purpose of the Clean Air Act?
To protect public health and welfare nationwide
This is achieved through national ambient air quality standards.
How many common ‘criteria pollutants’ has the EPA established air quality standards for?
Six
These pollutants include particulate matter, ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and lead.
What must states do to comply with the Clean Air Act?
Adopt enforceable plans to achieve and maintain air quality standards
States must also control emissions that drift across state lines.
What are new stationary sources required to use according to the Clean Air Act?
The best available technology
Existing sources may have less stringent standards.
What specific air pollution problems does the Clean Air Act address?
Hazardous air pollutants, acid rain, ozone layer depletion, regional haze
These issues pose health risks or environmental threats.
What emerging pollution problem is addressed by the general authorities of the Clean Air Act?
Greenhouse gases that cause climate change
The Act allows for adaptation to new pollution challenges.
Fill in the blank: The Clean Air Act was revised in _____ and _____
1977 and 1990
True or False: The Clean Air Act only addresses air pollution from industrial sources.
False
It also addresses pollution from motor vehicles and other sources.
What is one health risk associated with hazardous air pollutants?
Cancer
These pollutants can also cause environmental threats like bioaccumulation.
What is one effect of acid rain as targeted by the Clean Air Act?
Damages aquatic life, forests, and property
What does the Clean Air Act require regarding emissions that cross state lines?
Control emissions that harm air quality in downwind states
What protects us from skin cancer and eye damage according to the Clean Air Act?
The stratospheric ozone layer
What is Biosafety?
Biosafety is the application of safety precautions that reduce a laboratorian’s risk of exposure to a potentially infectious microbe and limit contamination of the work environment and, ultimately, the community.
Biosafety is crucial in protecting both laboratory personnel and the public from biological hazards.
How many Biosafety Levels (BSLs) are there?
There are four biosafety levels.
Each level has specific requirements and controls to manage the risks associated with different microbes and biological agents.
What factors determine the biosafety levels?
The primary risks that determine levels of containment are:
* Infectivity
* Severity of disease
* Transmissibility
* Nature of the work conducted
* Origin of the microbe
* Route of exposure
These factors help to assess the appropriate level of containment needed.
What are the specific containment controls required for each biosafety level?
Each biosafety level has its own specific containment controls required for:
* Laboratory practices
* Safety equipment
* Facility construction
These controls are designed to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel and the environment.
What is the main characteristic of BSL-1 regarding diseases?
Microbes at BSL-1 are not known to consistently cause disease in healthy adults and present minimal potential hazard to laboratorians and the environment.
An example of a microbe that is typically worked with at a BSL-1 is a nonpathogenic strain of E. coli.
What type of laboratory practices are followed in a BSL-1 laboratory?
Standard microbiological practices are followed.
These practices ensure basic safety and hygiene in handling microbes.
Where can work be performed in a BSL-1 laboratory?
Work can be performed on an open lab bench or table.
This allows for flexibility in laboratory setup.
What personal protective equipment is typically worn in a BSL-1 lab?
Lab coats, gloves, eye protection.
These items are used as needed to ensure safety.
What facility construction requirement is essential for a BSL-1 laboratory?
A sink must be available for hand washing.
This is crucial for maintaining hygiene.
What is another facility requirement for a BSL-1 laboratory?
The lab should have doors to separate the working space from the rest of the facility.
This helps to control access and maintain safety.
