Air Pollution basics

The haze of pollution that blankets some big cities is called __________. It forms when emissions from cars and other sources react with sunlight and oxygen in air. This stuff makes air difficult to breath and can make things especially tough for those with lung conditions. (like asthma)

Which type of air pollutant is colorless, odorless, and reduces the amount of oxygen carried in our blood?

• PM2.5 particulates

• carbon dioxide, CO₂

• nitrogen dioxide, NO₂

• carbon monoxide, CO

Which ground-level air pollutant is actually beneficial to us if it is very high up in the atmosphere?

• CO

• ozone

• SO₂

• NO₂

Which air pollutant is formed by a reaction involving sunlight and emissions from cars & industry?

• CO

• ozone

• SO₂

• NO₂

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which type of air pollution is generic for any type of very small particle that can enter into the bloodstream through the lungs and cause health issues?

• CO

• PM2.5

• NO₂

• SO₂

Answer explanation

PM2.5 simply refers to the size of a particle being 2.5 micrometers or less. This is very, very small. This tiny size allows them to pass between spaces of the walls of our thinnest blood vessels called capillaries.

They flow around our body and can cause inflammation of organs and tissues. Especially bad for the respiratory system (lungs, heart, arteries)