Formaldehyde Is a Simple Organic Molecule with Important Industrial Uses;

question 22

Multiple Choice

Formaldehyde is a simple organic molecule with important industrial uses; however it is a known carcinogen (cancer-causing compound) . Researchers have long known that formaldehyde is present in cigarette smoke, but it was only recently in 2014 that researchers determined that formaldehyde is also present in e-cigarette vapor. For this and other reasons, the U.S. FDA is now overseeing production and distribution of e-cigarettes.
The data below are compiled from several studies examining the levels of formaldehyde in cigarette smoke and low- and high-voltage e-cigarette vapor (increasing the voltage of an e-cigarette allows for increased nicotine intake) . The data in bar A are from individuals consuming 20 cigarettes a day. The data in bar B are from individuals consuming 3 mL of e-cigarette fluid a day when the e-cigarette is set to low voltage (n.d. = not detectable) . The data in bar C are from individuals consuming 3 mL of e-cigarette fluid a day when the e-cigarette is set to high voltage.
-Assuming e-cigarettes contain many similar chemical compounds to traditional cigarettes, what part of the respiratory system do they likely negatively affect?

• A) bronchi
• B) trachea
• C) alveoli
• D) diaphragm

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Definitions:

Marginal Social Cost

Marginal social cost is the total cost to society of producing one additional unit of a good, including both private costs and any externalities.

Environmental Standard

Regulations and criteria set to control pollution levels and protect environmental health by defining acceptable limits of pollutants or environmental impacts.

Quantity of Pollution

The total amount of pollutants released into the environment by an entity over a specific period, usually measured for regulatory or control purposes.

Marginal Social Benefit

The additional benefit to society from the production or consumption of one more unit of a good or service.