Knowledge 1
A gas produced by fuel-burning equipment
Carbon monoxide
The contamination of the earth's atmosphere by harmful substances
A unit that measures the intensity of sound
Decibel
Must be isolated in secure storage sites until the radioactive materials decay
When rainwater or melting snow flows across the ground and into the water supply
Runoff
A mineral fiber that was once used in fire retardant and insulation
Asbestos
A brownish haze that forms in urban areas
Smog
Avoiding waste through the careful management of natural resources
Conservation
Solvents used for cleaning and degreasing as well as sludge and wastewater from industries
Industrial wastes
Can contain human wastes, metals, and pathogens that pollute the water supply
Wastewater
An odorless, radioactive gas produced during the breakdown of uranium in soil and rocks
Radon
Used for reporting daily air quality
Air Quality Index (AQI)
The processing of waste materials so that they can be used again
Recycling
A naturally occurring substance that is highly toxic for humans
Mercury
Planning communities in ways that uses fewer resources and creates less pollution
Smart growth
Little health risk to anyone
The trapping of heat by gases in the earth's atmosphere
Greenhouse effect
Reducing waste before it is generated
Precycling
Pesticides, paints, cleaning fluids, and batteries
Household wastes
Businesses, homes, and schools are located close together so people can walk instead of drive
Mixed-use development
General term for small particles found in the air
Particulate matter
An overall increase in the earth's temperature
Global warming
Harmful, unwanted sound loud enough to damage hearing
Noise pollution
This hazardous waste is found in car parts and some dental and medical wastes
Who requires that wastewater be treated to remove pollutants before being released back into the environment?
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)