NAEP Science Grade 12

Category - Earth Science

The development and marketing of new technologies have often been done without understanding the long-term consequences that adopting such technologies may have on society. The most serious example of a technology that ultimately had a major effect on human health and the environment was the introduction and use of:
  1. Radioactive isotopes for tracing the location of diseased tissue.
  2. Chlorofluorocarbons for air-conditioning.
  3. Lithium-ion batteries for powering digital devices.
  4. Electromagnetic waves for sending data across great distances.
Explanation
Correct Response: B. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) developed for air conditioning systems eventually became concentrated enough in the atmosphere to reduce the extent and concentration of the stratospheric ozone layer. This layer of ozone protects life from harmful solar radiation. The threat was so serious that nations acted to ban chlorofluorocarbons. Radioactive isotopes used in medicine (A), while potentially dangerous, have been widely hailed as being an important tool for doctors and their use is not seen as having unintended consequences. Lithium-ion batteries are considered safer for the environment and people than other types of batteries that typically contain toxic metals, such as lead or cadmium (C). The use of electromagnetic waves for transmission of data (D) has produced no serious unintended consequences for human health.
Was this helpful? Upvote!
Login to contribute your own answer or details

Top questions

Related questions

Most popular on PracticeQuiz