REHS/RS Test

What is the MOST common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five years of age?

a) Neisseria meningitides
b) Group B Streptococci
c) Streptococcus pneumoniae
d) Haemophilus influenzae type B

Common causes of failure of septic tank seepage field systems include improper sizing,nonsuitable soil, nonservicing, and

A) insufficient nutrients.
B) leaking kitchen and bath fixtures.
C) excessive use of laundry detergents.
D) use of wetting agents.

Which of the following is the MOST critical step before detailed information is collected?

A) Determine how much time will be needed for data processing.
B) determine how often updates will occur.
C) Determine how much time will be needed for data collection.
D) Determine how the information will be used.

How is "giardiasis" USUALLY transmitted to others?

A) Drinking unfiltered water from streams and lakes
B) Drinking unadequately chlorinated water from minicipal water distribution system
C) Drinking unboiled water from steams and lakes
D) Person-to-person transfere of cysts from the feces of the infected individual

Which of the following duties of state and local health agencies ensures that public health and welfare are protected?

A) Community-intensive planning
B) Regulatory responsabilities
C) Plan implementation
D) Statutory administrative action

Which of the following is a measure of the amount of light scattered by particles suspended in a water test sample?

A) Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU)
B) Hydrosyntalic Turbidity Units (HTU)
C) Formazin Turbidity Units (FTU)
D) Lorcetic Turbidity Units (LTU)

What is an epidemic?

A) The constant presence of a disease within a community or region
B) The presence of infection in a host without clear, recognizable clinic symptoms
C) The occurence in a community or region of cases of an illness clearly in excess of expectancy
D) The presence of an infectious agent on a body surface

What portal of entry should a field sanitarian protect to avoid contracting Lyme disease?

A) Digestive tract
B) Reproductive organs
C) Skin
D) Respiratory tract

Swimmer's itch is a common name for which of the following diseases?

A) Schistosomiasis
B) Leptospirosis
C) Subdural dermatitis
D) Trichiniasis

Which of the following factors would LEAST contribute to the emergence of a new infections disease?

A) Disinfectant use
B) Antibiotic use
C) Human behavior
D) Heat disinfection

Listeriosis is COMMONLY associated with

A) infected birds.
B) contaminated water.
C) infected mice.
D) contaminated food.

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome is caused by infection with

a) Dracunculus medinensis.
b) Staphylococcus aureus.
c) Escherichia coli 0157:H7.
d) Salmonella typhimurium.

The basic principles of disease control include all of the following EXCEPT

a) lag phase.
b) control of disease source.
c) mode of transmission.
d) susceptibility.

Which one of the following pharases MOST accurately describes the term endemic?

A) Sporadic occurrence of an illness
B) Illnesses that exceed expected levels
C) Constant presence of an illness
D) All illnesses present at any one time

The interval between exposure to an infectious agent and the appearance of the first symptom is called the

A) susceptible period.
B) reactive period.
C) incubation period.
D) transmission period.

An employer is held liable for the torts of its employees committed within the scope of their employment. This is referred to as

A) parens patriae.
B) corporate privilege.
C) substituted judgment.
D) respondeat superior.

Performance of an authorized act in a unauthorized manner is called

A) nonfeasance.
B) malfeasance.
C) misfeasance.
D) disfeasance.

An action authorized by law to restrict or prevent the movement of goods for the protection of public health, safety, and welfare is called an order of

A) withholding.
B) seizure.
C) embargo.
D) injuction.

What is the federal agency that regulates food additives?

A) Consumer Product Safety Commission
B) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
C) Department of Agriculture
D) Food and Drug Administration

When a legal action is being prepared, one of the first steps a sanitarian should take is to

A) obtain a court order.
B) obtain a warrant.
C) check with other agencies.
D) keep accurate records.

How is the term "contamination" defined when used in connection with a communicable disease?

A) Transfer of a vector, regardless of time or the nature of the host
B) Infection of an individual or animal with pathogenic organisms
C) Contact between two or more sources of infection
D) Presence of pathogenic agents on a surface, article, or substance

What is the MAXIMUM accumulated time that potentially hazardous foods can safely be exposed to the temperature danger zone?

A) 4 hours
B) 3 hours
C) 2 hours
D) 1 hour

What is the MINIMUM period of time that the FDA recommends employees wash their hands and arms up to the elbow?

A) 40 seconds
B) 30 seconds
C) 10 seconds
D) 20 seconds

The laboratory reports a positive coliform test that exceeds permissible limits on a bottle of pasteurized milk. What does this indicate?

A) Improper virucidal treatment of the equipment
B) Improper bactericidal treatment of the equipment
C) A contaminated water supply
D) A contaminated food supply

What is the source of scombroid poisoning?

A) Undercooked pork
B) Sprouted green potatoes
C) Rice contaminated with rodent feces
D) Histamines in the muscle of fish

What is the MOST effective proctive for preventing trichinosis in people?

A) Be sure that fresh pork is thoroughly cooked
B) Be certain that ground meat is freshly ground at the time of purchase
C) Cook steak until well done
D) Avoid the consumption of ground meat products

Why are some foods classified as potentially hazardous?

A) They require rapid and thorough cooking.
B) They support rapid growth of pathogenic microorganisms.
C) They have a water activity below 0.85.
D) They have a pH below 4.6.

What is the MOST important rule of food storage?

A) Store products in order of "pull by" date
B) Follow the "first in, first out" rule
C) Repackage dry foods into metal containers
D) Store canned goods under refrigeration

What is the MOST common contributing factor to foodborne illness?

A) Incorrect labeling of containers
B) Dirty equipment
C) Improper holding temperatures
D) Insect and rodent infestation

What is the BEST means of inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in fresh meat?

A) Topical use of approved hypochlorite solutions
B) Chemical preservatives
C) Adequate refrigeration and cleanliness
D) Exposure to ultraviolet light for 30 minutes

What is the usual mode of infection from salmonella?

A) Ingestion of contaminated water
B) Contact with an active case
C) Ingestion of contaminated food
D) Contact with fomites

What should NOT be done with food samples collected during a foodborne illness investication?

A) Label
B) Freeze
C) Refrigerate
D) Seal

What is the PRIMARY requirement in designing a food service facility?

A) Durability
B) Appearance
C) Convenience
D) Cleanability

All of the following are signs of spoiled fish EXCEPT

a) strong odor.
b) elastic flesh.
c) gray gills.
d) sunken eyes.

Which of the following shellfish are MOST likely to cause illness?

A) Oysters
B) Shrimp
C) Scallops
D) Crabs

Which food does not require refrigeration at 41 F (5 C)?

A) Open container of garlic in oil
B) Sliced/cut cantaloupe
C) Tofu
D) Ultra-pasteurized creamers

Insecticides/pesticides may be stored in all ways EXCEPT

a) metal locked cabinet.
b) lowest shelf in the storage room.
c) above the dishwashing sinks.
d) in the basement separate from food and othe chemicals.

Unpasteurized eggs should be cooked

A) for two minutes in boiling water.
B) to 150 F for scrambled eggs.
C) to 140 F for one minute.
D) to 145 F for 15 seconds.

What type of well is considered LEAST likely to become contaminated?

A) Dug
B) Driven
C) Bored
D) Drilled

Diatomaceous earth filters

A) can be used in a public sewer treatment system.
B) should be integrated into a rapid sand filtration system.
C) can be used for a public water treatment system.
D) should be supplemented by a chlorination system.

Microbial pollution travels only a short distance through

A) sandstone.
B) limestone.
C) smooth clay.
D) fissured rock.

What type of filter is recommended for use in small communities and rural places?

A) Cartridge
B) Granular
C) Diatomaceous earth
D) Slow sand

All of the following are used to disinfect water EXCEPT

A) iodine.
B) fluorine.
C) chlorine.
D) bromine.

Backsiphonage may be prevented by all of the following methods EXCEPT

a) hydrostatic loops.
b) vacuum breakers.
c) air gap separation.
d) backpressure units.

Which of the following is the LEAST effective method for cadmium removal from drinking water?

A) Lime softening
B) Activated carbon
C) Ion exchange
D) Iron coagulation

Before a drinking water sample is taken, the sampling tap should be clean, free of leaks, and flushed for how long?

A) 4 to 5 minutes
B) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes
C) 2 to 3 minutes
D) 6 to 7 minutes

What contaminant has been associated with learning and cognitive disorders in children who drink contaminated water?

A) Lead
B) Parathion
C) Copper
D) Manganese

The wastewater from the flushing of a water closet, latrine, or privy is referred to as

A) gray water.
B) black water.
C) green water.
D) brown water.

If a septic tank is pumped during a wet period, the

A) water may flow into the tank.
B) tank may float out of the ground.
C) tank may be crushed by the wet earth.
D) field may flood the tank.

Nutrients associated with eutrophication include all of the following EXCEPT

A) phosphates.
B) organic carbon.
C) potassium.
D) nitrogen.

Which of the following is LEAST important when reducing sewage to gases?

A) Aerobic bacteria
B) Earthworms
C) Anaerobic bacteria
D) Protozoa

A septic tank maintenance worker has checked an empty tank for the presence of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). The test was negative, and there are no odors indicating the presence of other hazardous gases. Is the tank safe to enter without a respirator and supplied air?

A) Yes, because the absence of odors and H₂S indicates acceptable confined space entry conditions
B) No, because oxygen content and methane were not tested
C) Yes, because hydrogen sulfide and odors were not detected
D) No, because a lack of H₂S is a sign of a hazardous confined space atmosphere

All of the following are true about ozone as a disinfectant EXCEPT which one?

A) Long-lasting residual
B) Nontoxic to aquatic organisms
C) Excellent viricide
D) Source of dissolved oxygen

Aerobic bacteria require all of the following nutrients EXCEPT
A) phosphorus.
B) magnesium.
C) nitrogen.
D) carbon.

What does a mottled brown and red soil indicate?

A) Inadequate aeration methods
B) Unsuitability for absorbtion due to chemical composition
C) Suitability for absorbtion due to granular structure
D) Adequate agglomeration

Alternative small wastewater treatment systems are considered UNLESS

A) impervious formations are found at a depth of 10 feet.
B) highly porous formations exist.
C) space is limited and surface water supplies are inadequate.
D) high groundwater exists.

Lime coagulation, mixed media filtration, and activated carbon filtration will greatly reduce

A) EPA listed hazardous wastes
B) Biological contaminants
C) EPA priority pollutants
D) Heavy metals

According to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), how must hazardous household waste be disposed?

A) It may be disposed in a storm drain or sanitary sewer.
B) It must be incinerated.
C) Household waste is exempt form RCRA requirements.
D) It must be disposed as a hazardous waste by a professional hazardous waste company.

The grinding of garbage is an acceptable method of

A) wet oxidation.
B) energy recovery.
C) volume reduction.
D) garbage disposal.

A solid waste manager is trying to reduce lead in the solid waste stream. What should be targeted in the municipal waste stream as a MAJOR contributor of lead to the environment?

A) Fluorescent light tubes
B) Household batteries
C) Lead acid batteries
D) Rechargeable batteries

All of the following are considered advantages of using the "shredded solid waste" landfill method EXCEPT which one?

A) It will readily absorb precipitation.
B) It does not cause odors.
C) It may require daily earth cover.
D) It reduces insect breeding.

The BEST sanitary landfill method for a location with rolling terrain is the

A) area or ramp method.
B) low-area method.
C) trench method.
D) valley or ravine area method.

Why is it important for a business that generates hazardous waste to deal only with licensed disposal companies that have a good compliance history?

A) The business is held accountable for where and how the hazardous waste generated is disposed of.
B) Once the hazardous waste disposal company picks up the waste, it becomes the responsible party.
C) Large companies with good compliance histories generally have deep pockets.
D) It is important if the business generates 220 pounds or more per month of hazardous waste.

Which of the following is NOT a type of hazardous waste incinerator?

A) Fixed hearth
B) Pressurized
C) Fluidized
D) Rotaty kiln

Which federal law regulates underground storage tanks for hazardous substances?

a) Clean Water Act
b) Federal Water Pollution Control Act
c) Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
d) Solid Waste Disposal Act

A measure of the probability and severity of adverse effects under specific conditions BEST describes

A) toxicity.
B) hazard.
C) risk.
D) exposure.

Which of the following sampling devices is BEST for collecting undisturbed soil samples?

A) Shelby tube
B) Auger
C) Split spoon
D) Veihmeyer rod

What is the term for a statistical estimate of an oral dose of a chemical that produces a lethal effect on half of an animal population?

a) LC₅₀
b) LD₅₀
c) EC₅₀
d) ED₅₀

The dose-response relationship of a toxic substance depends on all of the following EXCEPT

A) the pH of the substance.
B) the duration of exposure to the substance.
C) the toxicity of the substance.
D) the amount and concentration of the substance.

Which respiratory device provides the MAXIMUM protection?

A) Half-face respirator
B) Positive pressure respirator with a full face piece
C) Full-face canister respirator
D) Negative pressure respiratior with a full face piece

The Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know-Act (SARA Title III) requires the disclosureof all of the following EXCEPT type and quantities of

A) all chemicals produced on site.
B) listed chemicals routinely discharged into the atmosphere.
C) hazardous chemicals accidentally discharged into the waterways.
D) hazardous chemicals accidentally discharged into the atmosphere.

For first responders at an incident, which one of the following is listed correctly according to order of importance?

A) Responder safety, environmental safety, public safety, property protection
B) Responder safety, public safety, environmental safety, property protection
C) Public safety, property protection, responder safety, environmental safety
D) Property protection, public safety, responder safety, environmental safety

Rocky Mountian spotted fever is transmitted by

A) chiggers.
B) deermites.
C) dog ticks.
D) deerflies.

What are the peak seasons for rats to breed in temperate zones?

A) Spring and fall
B) Summer and winter
C) Winter and spring
D) Fall and summer

Which one of the following pesticides can be legally used in the United States by the public?

A) Diazinon
B) Silvex
C) 2, 4, 5, -T
D) Mercury

Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac contain oleoresin that is found in all parts of the plant EXCEPT the

A) leaves.
B) flowers.
C) bark.
D) wood.

Psittacosis is MOST commonly spread by

A) pigeons.
B) rodents.
C) shellfish.
D) bats.

Hay fever is correctly referred to as

A) sinusitis.
B) pollenosis.
C) asthma.
D) leguminosis.

Which of the following is MOST effective for controlling ragweed?

A) 2, 4-D
B) Dieldrin
C) Petroleum oil
D) Fenthion

The term rad means

A) radiation admitted dose.
B) radiation absorbed dose.
C) roentgen absorbed dose.
D) required administrative dose.

Which of the following have little penetrating power and are normally a hazard to health only in the form of internal radiation received through ingestion, inhalation, or open wounds?

A) Gamma rays
B) X-rays
C) Alpha particles
D) Beta particles

Beta radiation is MOST commonly blocked by which one of the following materials?

A) Magnesium alloy
B) Concrete
C) Glass or plastic
D) Lead

Microwaves are reflected by

A) metals.
B) polymers.
C) glass.
D) plastic.

The energy of ionizing radiation is measured in

A) one-person sievert (Sv).
B) one electrostatic unit.
C) electron volts (eV).
D) ergs of energy per gram.

What is the danger and/or hazard posed by an etiological agent?

A) Asphyxiation
B) Human disease
C) Corrosive reaction
D) Allergic reaction

No person should be permitted to work in a trench or pit in sandy clay soil that has unsupported sides or banks higher than

A) 3 feet.
B) 4 feet.
C) 2 feet.
D) 5 feet.

Given: An employer moves employees who have reached the upper permissible level of exposure to a hazardous environment, in order to prevent further exposure.

What type of hazard control is this?

A) Administrative control
B) engineering control
C) Personal control
D) Professional control

A negative pressure fit test for a protective mask

A) is done by placing both palms against the intake filters.
B) is done by placing both hands over the exhalation points.
C) shoud be conducted at a minimum of once a week.
D) should be repeated until an air leak is detected.

Quantitative risk assessment USUALLY measures human exposure through all of the following EXCEPT

A) toxicological analyses.
B) blood or urine analyses.
C) personal surveys.
D) computer models.

The MOST likely cause of photochemical smog is due to

A) large industries.
B) heavy motor vehicle traffic.
C) chemical processing plants.
D) hazardouse waste incinerators.

The industries LEAST likely to be a source of sulfur diozide pollution are

A) hazardous waste incinerators.
B) metal smelters.
C) refineries.
D) coal and oil burning power plants.

Scrubbers are wet collectors generally used to remove particles that form as a

A) fog, mist, or dust.
B) fume, dust, or mist.
C) dust, aerosol, or fog.
D) mist, solid, or vapor.

Particle size selective inlets are used to separate particulates above and below 2 to 3 microns in size on

A) high volume samplers.
B) outfall vacuums.
C) atmospheric respirator sieves.
D) baghouse air filters.

The MOST common type of noise measurement device used for initial inspections is the

A) sound level meter.
B) octave-band analyzer.
C) sound analyzer.
D) noise dosimeter.

Oxygenated fuels are intended to reduce emissions levels of

A) Carbon monoxide
B) Ozone
C) Nitrogen oxides
D) Hydrocarbons

Cross-connection controls include air gaps, backflow preventers, vacuum breakers, and

A) air vents.
B) indirect waste piping.
C) gate valves.
D) bypass valves.

The drain line of an ince machine should connect to the sewer system through

A) a hydrostatic valve.
B) a hydrolic valve.
C) an indirect connection below the floor.
D) an open recepticle with an air gap.

Vent gasses from a coal burning furnace combined with a high moisture inside a chimney will form

A) sodium chloride.
B) sulfuric acid.
C) a glass-like glaze.
D) hydrochloric acid.

What is the PRIMARY cause of death resulting from automobile exhaust accumulation in garages?

A) Tetraethyl lead
B) Ethylene dioxide
C) Carbon monoxide
D) Methane

The end of a waste pipe should terminate above the rim of a sink directly connected to the drainage system by at LEAST

A) 4 inches.
B) 5 inches.
C) 6 inches.
D) 2 inches.