Public Health Nursing Practice Exam

Which of the following statements about environmental protection strategies is true?

1. Land use planning prevents air pollution

2. Environmental monitoring guarantees safety

3. Waste minimization is necessary for compliance

4. Controlling pollution requires setting standards

The correct answer is: Controlling pollution requires setting standards

The statement regarding controlling pollution and the necessity of setting standards is fundamentally true because effective pollution management relies heavily on the establishment of clear and enforceable standards. These standards define acceptable levels of pollutants in the environment, guiding regulatory agencies and industries towards practices that mitigate environmental harm. By setting these benchmarks, it facilitates compliance and encourages industries to adopt cleaner technologies and processes, ultimately leading to improved environmental health. Such standards also help in creating accountability and provide a framework within which environmental impacts can be assessed and managed. They serve as critical tools for measuring progress in reducing pollution, creating a structured approach to environmental protection. In contrast, other strategies mentioned may not be universally applicable or effective on their own. For example, while land use planning can help manage development to minimize air pollution, it does not directly prevent it. Environmental monitoring is important for assessing risk but does not guarantee safety without adequate response strategies in place. Waste minimization is crucial for sustainability and reducing resource consumption, but it's primarily about efficiency rather than purely about compliance with laws and regulations.