Free Environmental Health and Sanitation MCQs with Answers

• A. To destroy disease-causing organisms without sterilising milk
• B. To remove all dissolved minerals from milk
• C. To increase the protein content of milk
• D. To prevent milk from becoming sour permanently

Explanation: Pasteurisation uses controlled heat to destroy important pathogenic microorganisms while preserving most of the milk's qualities.

• A. Mixing it with used dressings and syringes
• B. Composting it in a properly managed compost pit
• C. Burning it inside the kitchen every evening
• D. Throwing it into an open drainage channel

Explanation: Vegetable peels and other biodegradable kitchen waste can be composted under controlled conditions to produce useful organic matter.

• A. Waste is left exposed for animals and flies
• B. Waste is buried in layers and covered regularly with soil
• C. Waste is discharged directly into a nearby stream
• D. Waste is stored permanently beside residential houses

Explanation: A sanitary landfill places refuse in managed layers and covers it with soil to reduce flies, rodents, odour, and wind-blown waste.

• A. Providing residents with perfume for unpleasant odours
• B. Constructing a covered and properly flowing drainage system
• C. Advising residents to increase daily bathing
• D. Distributing stronger insect repellents to all households

Explanation: Safe drainage removes wastewater from human contact and reduces contamination around homes.

• A. Keep cooked food hot or cool it promptly and safely
• B. Leave the food uncovered so steam can escape
• C. Add extra salt to prevent all bacterial growth
• D. Mix newly cooked rice with the earlier batch

Explanation: Cooked food should be kept at a safe hot temperature or cooled promptly and stored safely because bacteria can multiply during prolonged…

• A. Keeping refuse in covered containers and removing it regularly
• B. Spraying perfume around food stalls each morning
• C. Leaving vegetable waste exposed until the weekly collection
• D. Keeping all market doors closed without removing refuse

Explanation: Houseflies breed in decomposing organic matter and can carry organisms from waste to food.

• A. Store chemicals in labelled original containers away from children
• B. Keep chemicals in open cups so the contents are visible
• C. Pour chemicals into smaller bottles for easier carrying
• D. Store chemicals beside food to prevent them being misplaced

Explanation: Chemicals should remain in labelled containers and be stored securely away from food and children.

• A. Using correct body mechanics and mechanical lifting assistance
• B. Twisting the trunk while lifting to save time
• C. Lifting patients alone whenever the ward is busy
• D. Bending from the waist while keeping the knees straight

Explanation: Correct body mechanics, adequate assistance, and lifting devices reduce strain on the spine and muscles.

• A. Improve ventilation and reduce overcrowding where possible
• B. Keep windows closed to prevent all outside dust
• C. Use air freshener to remove infectious organisms
• D. Place damp cloths over the windows throughout the day

Explanation: Improved ventilation and reduced crowding lower the concentration and transmission of airborne infectious particles.

• A. Clean and disinfect the sink before washing clean utensils
• B. Rinse the sink with cold water only between activities
• C. Place the clean plates beside the raw fish during washing
• D. Use the same unclean cloth to wipe the sink and plates

Explanation: Raw fish may contaminate surfaces with pathogenic organisms, so the sink must be cleaned and disinfected before clean utensils are…

• A. Escherichia coli
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Clostridium tetani
• D. Candida albicans

Explanation: Escherichia coli normally lives in the intestines and its presence in water suggests fecal contamination.

• A. To remove organic matter and disease-causing organisms
• B. To increase the amount of dissolved oxygen demand
• C. To add nutrients for aquatic plant growth
• D. To make sewage suitable for direct household use

Explanation: Sewage treatment reduces organic matter, suspended solids and pathogens before discharge.

• A. Thawing it in a refrigerator
• B. Leaving it on the kitchen counter
• C. Placing it in warm standing water
• D. Keeping it beside cooked food

Explanation: Thawing in a refrigerator keeps the chicken at a safer temperature while it defrosts.

• A. Reducing noise at the machinery source
• B. Providing cotton wool for the ears
• C. Allowing workers to shout during the shift
• D. Increasing the length of each work period

Explanation: Controlling noise at its source is the most effective level in the hierarchy of controls.

• A. Taking them to an approved hazardous-waste collection point
• B. Burning them with ordinary kitchen refuse
• C. Burying them beside a vegetable garden
• D. Throwing them into an open drainage channel

Explanation: Batteries may release toxic metals and chemicals into soil, air or water, so they require controlled collection and disposal.

• A. Remove food sources and seal openings in buildings
• B. Place uncovered food outside to attract rats
• C. Keep refuse in open containers near houses
• D. Release domestic cats around every food shop

Explanation: Removing food and shelter and sealing entry points attacks the conditions that support rodent infestation.

• A. Repair leaks and improve ventilation
• B. Close all windows during the day
• C. Paint over the mould without cleaning it
• D. Use strong perfume to mask the odour

Explanation: Repairing the source of moisture and improving ventilation reduce mould growth and respiratory irritation.

• A. A continuous supply of safe water
• B. Decorative wall coverings near the stove
• C. A loud exhaust fan without cleaning facilities
• D. A separate room for storing empty containers

Explanation: Safe water is needed for washing hands, utensils, food surfaces and some foods during preparation.

• A. Wearing gloves and closed protective footwear
• B. Compressing bags with bare hands
• C. Opening every bag before lifting it
• D. Carrying leaking bags against the body

Explanation: Gloves and closed footwear reduce contact with sharp objects, contaminated materials and leaking waste.

• A. Enforcing noise limits and using roadside barriers
• B. Advising residents to drink tea before sleep
• C. Removing trees beside the road
• D. Keeping household windows open at night

Explanation: Noise limits and physical barriers reduce exposure at the community or environmental level.