GreenSpec Toxic Chemical Quiz

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* 1. Endocrine disruptors cause which one of the following?

Developmental delays

Metabolic irregularities, such as insulin resistance

Genetic mutations, such as extra limbs

Cancer

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* 2. Choose all answers that seem correct. Halogenated flame retardants in furniture foam and upholstery are problematic because...

...some are semivolatile organic compounds, or SVOCs, which may offgas into indoor air.

...they might slough off the furniture into indoor dust.

...they might leach into groundwater and pollute ecosystems after disposal.

...they may not effectively prevent or slow the development of fires.

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* 3. True or false?

	True	False
Building occupants can be exposed to mercury in fluorescent lamps only if a lamp breaks.	Building occupants can be exposed to mercury in fluorescent lamps only if a lamp breaks. True	Building occupants can be exposed to mercury in fluorescent lamps only if a lamp breaks. False
Manufacturers must disclose all hazards in adhesives and sealants on the material safety data sheet.	Manufacturers must disclose all hazards in adhesives and sealants on the material safety data sheet. True	Manufacturers must disclose all hazards in adhesives and sealants on the material safety data sheet. False
If you choose wood flooring, you don’t need to worry about VOCs.	If you choose wood flooring, you don’t need to worry about VOCs. True	If you choose wood flooring, you don’t need to worry about VOCs. False
One of the biggest health concerns with carpet is exposure to mold and dust mites.	One of the biggest health concerns with carpet is exposure to mold and dust mites. True	One of the biggest health concerns with carpet is exposure to mold and dust mites. False
Building wiring typically contains hazardous ingredients, including lead, which can enter occupied space via dust.	Building wiring typically contains hazardous ingredients, including lead, which can enter occupied space via dust. True	Building wiring typically contains hazardous ingredients, including lead, which can enter occupied space via dust. False
Boric acid, a flame retardant used in cellulose insulation, is just as dangerous as the halogenated flame retardants used in polystyrene.	Boric acid, a flame retardant used in cellulose insulation, is just as dangerous as the halogenated flame retardants used in polystyrene. True	Boric acid, a flame retardant used in cellulose insulation, is just as dangerous as the halogenated flame retardants used in polystyrene. False

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* 4. Choose all answers that seem correct. Which of the following are ways that persistent, bioaccumulative toxic chemicals (PBTs) can move around in the environment?

Blown by air currents

Carried through waterways

Absorbed from soil by plants and microorganisms

Absorbed through skin from water or silt by animals and humans

Transferred from mother to child

Ingested when scavenging or hunting

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* 5. Which statement best sums up the “precautionary approach”?

We should always use caution when avoiding toxic chemicals because newer technologies may not perform as well.

When possible, we should avoid materials that are suspected of being hazardous, even when there is not conclusive evidence.

When possible, we should use all-natural building materials because that is the only way to avoid all hazards.

We should prefer whichever materials do the best job, as long as scientists have not demonstrated that they cause serious or irreversible harm.

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* 6. A toxin is:

Any substance that can poison people, such as cyanide

Any poison produced by a living thing, such as snake venom

Any substance that bioaccumulates in organisms, such as mercury

Any poisonous hydrocarbon, such as benzene

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* 7. “Exempt” VOCs are compounds that…

…do not contribute to smog.

…are not regulated because they are safe for indoor use.

…have to be listed on a material safety data sheet.

…may be used in building products but not in personal care products.

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* 8. How much VOC content will you find in a zero-VOC paint?

Zero!

Up to 10 grams per liter

Up to 50 grams per liter

It’s unclear because some VOCs don’t have to be counted for labeling purposes.

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* 9. What is California Section 01350?

A spinoff from Beverly Hills 90210

The CARB Standard

The chemical “red list” in Prop 65

The CDPH Standard

The section of the CHPS guidelines covering VOCs

Another name for the Indoor Advantage certification program

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* 10. Which of the following products would NOT be restricted by the Living Building Challenge Red List?

Wood treated with copper azole

OSB sheathing with a phenol-formaldehyde binder

Air conditioning unit containing ozone-friendly R-22 refrigerant

Carpet tiles with 100% post-consumer recycled PVC backing