AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Indoor Air Pollutants
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 14 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the primary health risk associated with exposure to radon gas?
Exposure to radon gas can lead to radon-induced lung cancer, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
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What is the primary health risk associated with exposure to radon gas?
Exposure to radon gas can lead to radon-induced lung cancer, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
What is the significance of radon-induced lung cancer in America?
According to the provided text, radon-induced lung cancer is the second leading cause of lung cancer in America.
How is Radon-222 formed?
Radon-222 is a radioactive gas that is produced by the natural decay of uranium, which is found in some rocks and soils.
What is carbon monoxide classified as, in terms of its effect as an indoor air pollutant?
Carbon monoxide is an indoor air pollutant that is classified as an asphyxiant.
Identify two human-made indoor air pollutants besides lead and insulation.
Two other common human-made indoor air pollutants are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde.
Which indoor pollutant is both a product of combustion and an asphyxiant?
Carbon monoxide is an indoor air pollutant that can come from combustion and is classified as an asphyxiant.
Contrast the source of Radon-222 with the sources of VOCs.
Radon-222 comes from a natural source (decay of uranium), while VOCs are human-made pollutants that come from items like furniture and carpets.
What are the three main categories of sources for indoor air pollutants?
Indoor air pollutants can come from natural sources, human-made sources, and combustion.
Define Radon-222.
Radon-222 is a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium found in some rocks and soils.
If a house is built on a geological formation known to be rich in uranium, which specific natural indoor air pollutant poses the greatest risk?
The residents should be most concerned about Radon-222, a naturally occurring radioactive gas produced by the decay of uranium in rocks and soils.
Identify a common indoor air pollutant found in older homes that originates from paint.
Lead from paints is a common human-made indoor air pollutant, especially in older homes.
A public health report needs to describe two major effects of indoor air pollutants. Based on the text, what two distinct health effects could be cited?
The report could cite that carbon monoxide is an asphyxiant and that exposure to radon gas can lead to radon-induced lung cancer.
List four examples of common human-made indoor air pollutants.
Common human-made indoor air pollutants include insulation, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), formaldehyde, and lead from paints.
A family just installed new carpeting and purchased new furniture. What specific category of human-made indoor air pollutant might they be exposed to?
They are likely exposed to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are common human-made pollutants from items like furniture and carpets.