1) Which of the following are common causes of air pollution?
1) Diesel generators
2) Heavy construction activities
3) Temperature control in large buildings
a. 1, 2
b. 1, 3
c. 2, 3
d. All of the above
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: All of the above
Explanation:
- Common causes of air pollution include diesel-fuelled vehicles, heavy construction activities, temperature control in large buildings and use of coal or diesel generators.
- PM 2.5 refers to atmospheric particulates with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres. Exposure to fine particulates is linked to premature death from heart and lung disease. They trigger or worsen asthma, heart attack, bronchitis and other respiratory problems.
- The WHO states that as urban air quality declines, the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic and acute respiratory diseases, including asthma increases.
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2) Which of the following is/are correct?
1) Ten out of the top 20 globally air polluted cities are from India.
2) Gwalior ranks second for fine particulate matter (PM 2.5).
a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- The ‘Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database (update 2016)’ released by WHO used data from government and research organisations to prepare the database. It is based on ground measurements of annual mean concentrations of particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5).
- Gwalior and Allahabad, meanwhile, come a close second and third in terms of PM 2.5, while Patna and Raipur are ranked 6th and 7th.
- Delhi now stands 11th among 3,000 cities in 103 countries in terms of fine particulate matter or PM 2.5. Delhi is 25th based on bigger particulate or PM 10 levels.
- Particulate matter affects everyone but causes harm faster to children and senior citizens.
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3) According to WHO, what is the permissible level of PM concentration of micrograms per cubic metre?
a. 20 micrograms per cubic metre
b. 25 micrograms per cubic metre
c. 50 micrograms per cubic metre
d. 100 micrograms per cubic metre
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: 25 micrograms per cubic metre
Explanation:
- The World Health Organization recommends 25 micrograms per cubic metre as the maximum safe level.
- Major components of PM: sulfate, nitrates, ammonia, sodium chloride, black carbon, mineral dust and water.
- It consists of a complex mixture of solid and liquid particles of organic and inorganic substances suspended in the air.
- The most health-damaging particles are those with a diameter of 10 microns or less, (= PM10), which can penetrate and lodge deep inside the lungs.
- Chronic exposure to particles contributes to the risk of developing cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as of lung cancer.
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4) Which of the following are primary air pollutants?
1) Ozone
2) Methane
3) Benzene
4) Particulate Matter
5) Oxides of Nitrogen
a. Only 1, 3, 4 and 5
b. Only 1, 2, 4 and 5
c. Only 2, 3, 4 and 5
d. All of the above
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: Only 2, 3, 4 and 5
Explanation:
Primary air pollutants are – Particulate matter (both solid and liquid suspensions), Oxides of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur, hydrocarbons like methane and benzene, etc. Secondary air pollutants are – ozone, sulphur trioxide, etc.
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5) Radiation pollution is in the increase. Which radiations are considered pollutants?
a. Non - ionizing radiations
b. Ionizing radiations
c. Both Ionizing and Non - ionizing radiations
d. Background radiation
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: Ionizing radiations
Explanation:
We live in an environment of natural radiations there is a certain amount of radioactive radiations almost everywhere on the earth. These are only rarely harmful as the radiation level is generally quite low. This small level of radioactive radiation which is present everywhere is called the background radiation. The ionizing radiations cause damage to biological systems and are, therefore, pollutants. They ionize atoms and molecules.
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6) Which of the following contain the toxic dioxins?
1) Formed on Burning wastes, plastics, coal, etc.
2) Formed when petrol not fully burnt
3) Waste from Industries
a. Only 1
b. Only 1 and 2
c. Only 3
d. All of the above
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Answer
Explanation
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ANSWER: All of the above
Explanation:
They are toxic chemical compounds. They are also released when we burn cigarettes. Such dioxins are deposited on plants, soil and water and thus get into our food.
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