Question 1 Exposure to the major organochlorine pesticides has been linked to increased risk of ___________. cancer neurological effects both of the above Question 2 Which of the following is a tactic typically used in integrated pest management? Choosing a single, targeted intervention for pest control Undertaking pest control on a predetermined schedule Monitoring populations of target pests Question 3 What human disease may result if beef is contaminated during slaughter with bits of the cow’s brain or spinal cord?

Question 1 Exposure to the major organochlorine pesticides has been linked to increased risk of both cancer and neurological effects.

Organochlorine pesticides are a class of synthetic chemicals that were widely used in agricultural and industrial applications during the 20th century. Some of the major organochlorine pesticides include DDT, chlordane, and hexachlorobenzene. These pesticides were effective in controlling pests and increasing agricultural yields, but their widespread use also led to significant environmental contamination and potential health hazards for humans.

Numerous studies have investigated the health effects of exposure to organochlorine pesticides, particularly their association with cancer and neurological disorders. The evidence suggests that exposure to these pesticides can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The mechanisms through which organochlorine pesticides may contribute to cancer development are still not fully understood, but it is believed that these chemicals can disrupt hormonal regulation, DNA damage repair, and immune system function, which can promote the growth of cancer cells.

In addition to cancer, exposure to organochlorine pesticides has also been linked to neurological effects. Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, neurodevelopmental disorders in children, and cognitive impairments in adults have been associated with prolonged or high levels of exposure to these pesticides. The exact mechanisms through which organochlorine pesticides affect the nervous system are not fully understood, but it is thought that their neurotoxic properties, ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, and interference with neurotransmitter function may contribute to the development of these neurological effects.

Therefore, the correct answer to question 1 is “both of the above” – exposure to major organochlorine pesticides is associated with increased risk of cancer and neurological effects.

Question 2 Choosing a single, targeted intervention for pest control is a tactic typically used in integrated pest management.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an approach to pest control that aims to minimize the use of chemical pesticides and emphasize the use of multiple strategies to effectively manage pest populations. The goal of IPM is to reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides while still maintaining acceptable levels of pest control and minimizing potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.

One of the key tactics used in IPM is choosing a single, targeted intervention for pest control. This involves identifying the specific pest species and implementing a control method that specifically targets that pest while minimizing harm to beneficial organisms and the environment. For example, if a certain crop is being infested by a particular type of insect, the use of biological control agents such as predatory insects or parasites that specifically target the pest can be employed. This targeted approach reduces the need for broad-spectrum pesticides that can harm other non-target organisms and potentially lead to pesticide resistance.

In addition to targeted interventions, other tactics used in IPM include monitoring populations of target pests to determine the need for intervention, implementing cultural and physical controls such as crop rotation and mechanical barriers, and using chemical pesticides only as a last resort and in a judicious manner. The overall goal of IPM is to establish a balance between pest control and environmental sustainability, ensuring long-term pest management without causing unnecessary harm.

Therefore, the correct answer to question 2 is “Choosing a single, targeted intervention for pest control” is a tactic typically used in integrated pest management.

Question 3 If beef is contaminated during slaughter with bits of the cow’s brain or spinal cord, it may result in creutzfeldt-jakob disease (CJD).

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare and fatal degenerative brain disorder that belongs to a group of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). One form of CJD, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD), is believed to be caused by the consumption of beef products contaminated with a prion called the infectious agent of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), also known as mad cow disease.

BSE is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects cattle, and it is characterized by the accumulation of misfolded prion proteins in the brain and central nervous system. If beef from a BSE-infected animal is contaminated with bits of the cow’s brain or spinal cord during slaughter and processing, it can potentially transmit the infectious prions to humans who consume these contaminated meat products.

The transmission of BSE prions to humans can result in the development of vCJD, which has distinct clinical and pathological features compared to other forms of CJD. vCJD has a relatively long incubation period, typically ranging from several years to over a decade, and it primarily affects younger individuals.

The symptoms of vCJD include psychiatric disturbances, cognitive decline, neurological abnormalities, and eventually progressive dementia. The disease is ultimately fatal, and there is currently no cure or effective treatment for vCJD.

To prevent the transmission of BSE prions to humans, strict regulations and controls have been implemented in the meat industry, particularly when it comes to the processing and disposal of high-risk materials, such as the brain and spinal cord. These measures aim to minimize the risk of BSE contamination in beef products and safeguard public health.

Therefore, the correct answer to question 3 is “Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)” may result if beef is contaminated during slaughter with bits of the cow’s brain or spinal cord.