Question: I read this background article the other day: Huge amounts of chemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides, are applied to farm fields (see Figure below ). Some of the chemicals are picked up by rainwater. Runoff then carries the chemicals to nearby rivers or lakes. Dissolved fertilizer causes too much growth of water plants and algae. This can lead to dead zones where nothing can live in lakes and at the mouths of rivers. Some of the chemicals can infiltrate into groundwater. The contaminated water comes up in water wells. If people drink the polluted water, they may get sick. I am facing a new situation today: Two neighboring counties used different agricultural methods on their farm fields. Cook county used many fertilizers and pesticides, while Dane county used only organic methods and no pesticides. As a result, the waters in Dane county were cleaner. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which county contaminated more water wells?
Answer: Cook

Question: I read this background article the other day: Air pollution can also indirectly cause other health issues and even deaths. Air pollutants can cause an increase in cancer including lung cancer, eye problems, and other conditions. For example, using certain chemicals on farms, such as the insecticide DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and toxic PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyl), can cause cancer. Indoors, pollutants such as radon or asbestos can also increase your cancer risk. Lastly, air pollution can lead to heart disease, including heart attack and stroke. I am facing a new situation today: Michael recently moved to Xin Jiang, where there is a large amount of air pollutants due to the chemical manufacturing industry there. Kevin, on the other hand, recently moved to Toronto which just finished a several month long tree planting initiative that has drastically lowered the amount of air pollutants in the city. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Who is more at risk for having a stroke?
Answer: Michael

Question: I read this background article the other day: Common foodborne viruses include norovirus and hepatitis A virus. Norovirus, which causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, has been a recent issue on cruise ships, infecting hundreds of passengers and crew on certain voyages. Hepatitis A causes inflammation of the liver, which is treated with rest and diet changes. Parasites are tiny organisms that live inside another organism. Giardia is a parasite spread through water contaminated with the stools of people or animals who are infected. Food preparers who are infected with parasites can also contaminate food if they do not thoroughly wash their hands after using the bathroom and before handling food. Trichinella is a type of roundworm parasite. People may be infected with this parasite by consuming raw or undercooked pork or wild game. I am facing a new situation today: Two brothers had very bad luck when they attended a wedding. Tom fell violently ill after eating some tainted food, and he was rushed to the hospital. His brother Rob felt sick later, after eating the main course. Tom was infected with norovirus and hepatitis A, while Rob was infected with Giardia and Trichinella. Using the knowledge I acquired from the background article, how should I answer correctly the following question regarding my new situation: Which brother experienced more inflammation of the liver?
Answer:
Tom