Meuse Valley Belgium 1930 Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What was the major cause of the 'Great Killer Fog' in 1952 in London?

Widespread use of renewable energy sources

Deforestation in the surrounding areas

Coal burning during residential heating (correct)

Excessive use of aerosol sprays

How long did the 'Great Killer Fog' in London last in 1952?

Over 4 days (correct)

2 weeks

48 hours

1 month

What was the result of the 'Great Killer Fog' in London on the number of deaths during December 1952 to February 1953?

2500 excess deaths

No significant change in the death rate

Decrease in mortality rates

About 12000 excess deaths (correct)

In response to the 'Great Killer Fog' event, what did the Parliament pass in 1956?

Clean Air Act Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used when fog and smoke combine to decrease visibility and cause health issues?

Smog Signup and view all the answers

Which valley experienced a similar air pollution event known as the Meuse Valley fog event?

Meuse Valley Signup and view all the answers

What were the primary sources of air pollution during the Meuse Valley fog event?

Power stations, factories, and domestic coal burning Signup and view all the answers

What meteorological conditions contributed to the Meuse Valley fog event?

Low temperatures and calm winds Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary effect of the Meuse Valley fog event on the local population?

Increased rates of respiratory illnesses and deaths Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key factor in the 1948 Donora Smog event?

Presence of sulfur dioxide in the fog Signup and view all the answers

What geographic feature contributed to the severity of both the Meuse Valley fog event and the Donora Smog?

Valley topography Signup and view all the answers

Which populations were most vulnerable to the health effects of the air pollution events described in the text?

The elderly and the young Signup and view all the answers

What are the chronic health effects of long-term exposure to ozone?

Accelerated lung damage that is irreversible Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of mercury poisoning?

Headache Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of dioxins?

They are highly persistent in the environment Signup and view all the answers

What is an air toxic?

A pollutant that is known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious health effects Signup and view all the answers

Which system of the body is affected by chronic, low-level exposure to mercury?

Respiratory system Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor that led to major air pollution events during the first part of the 20th century?

The dramatically increasing emission of air pollutants Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Great Killer Fog in London

The major cause of the 'Great Killer Fog' in 1952 in London was the combination of fog and smoke, which led to decreased visibility and severe health issues.
The 'Great Killer Fog' in London lasted for five days, from December 5 to 9, 1952.
The event resulted in a significant increase in deaths during December 1952 to February 1953, with an estimated 4,000 to 12,000 premature deaths.

Government Response and Air Pollution Terminology

In response to the 'Great Killer Fog' event, the Parliament passed the Clean Air Act in 1956.
The term used to describe the combination of fog and smoke that decreases visibility and causes health issues is "smog".

Meuse Valley Fog Event

The Meuse Valley fog event was a similar air pollution event that occurred in 1930 in the Meuse Valley in Belgium.
The primary sources of air pollution during the Meuse Valley fog event were industrial activities, such as coal mining and smelting, and domestic heating.
Meteorological conditions, including temperature inversion and windless weather, contributed to the Meuse Valley fog event.
The primary effect of the Meuse Valley fog event on the local population was respiratory distress and other health issues.

Donora Smog Event

The 1948 Donora Smog event was a significant air pollution event that occurred in Donora, Pennsylvania, USA.
A key factor in the 1948 Donora Smog event was the presence of a temperature inversion, which trapped pollutants in the valley.

Common Factors and Vulnerable Populations

The geographic feature that contributed to the severity of both the Meuse Valley fog event and the Donora Smog was the presence of a valley, which trapped pollutants.
The populations most vulnerable to the health effects of air pollution events are the elderly, young children, and people with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

Health Effects of Air Pollution

Chronic health effects of long-term exposure to ozone include respiratory problems, lung damage, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mercury poisoning symptoms include tremors, muscle weakness, and kidney damage, but do not include hair loss.
The primary characteristic of dioxins is their high toxicity and ability to cause cancer and reproductive issues.
Air toxics are pollutants that can cause cancer, respiratory problems, and other health issues.
Chronic, low-level exposure to mercury affects the nervous system of the body.

Historical Factors

A significant factor that led to major air pollution events during the first part of the 20th century was the lack of regulations on industrial activities and domestic heating.

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Description

Explore the deadly fog event that occurred in Eastern Belgium in 1930, caused by heavy industrialization and air pollution sources. Learn about how meteorological conditions and topography played a crucial role in creating the dense fog that led to severe environmental and health impacts.

Meuse Valley Fog Event in Belgium in 1930

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