Q1 What is the primary source of outdoor air pollution?
a) Industrial emissions
b) Indoor cooking
c) Natural wildfires
d) All of the above
Answer: a) Industrial emissions
Explanation: Industrial activities release various pollutants into the atmosphere, contributing to outdoor air pollution.
Q2 Which of the following gases is a major component of smog?
a) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
b) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
c) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
d) Methane (CH4)
Answer: c) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Explanation: Nitrogen dioxide is a common component of smog and contributes to its formation.
Q3 What is the primary source of indoor air pollution?
a) Automobile emissions
b) Radon gas
c) Volcanic eruptions
d) Pesticides
Answer: b) Radon gas
Explanation: Radon gas is a significant indoor air pollutant that can seep into buildings from the ground.
Q4 Which air pollutant is associated with the formation of acid rain?
a) Ozone (O3)
b) Carbon monoxide (CO)
c) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
d) Particulate matter (PM)
Answer: c) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
Explanation: Sulfur dioxide emissions react with water vapor in the atmosphere, forming sulfuric acid, which leads to acid rain.
Q5 What is the primary health effect of exposure to high levels of ground-level ozone?
a) Respiratory problems
b) Skin rashes
c) Digestive issues
d) Vision impairment
Answer: a) Respiratory problems
Explanation: Ground-level ozone can irritate the respiratory system and lead to breathing difficulties.
Q6 What is the major source of carbon monoxide (CO) in urban areas?
a) Natural gas leaks
b) Gasoline and diesel engines
c) Agricultural activities
d) Deforestation
Answer: b) Gasoline and diesel engines
Explanation: Motor vehicles are a significant source of carbon monoxide emissions in urban areas.
Q7 Which greenhouse gas is primarily responsible for global warming?
a) Methane (CH4)
b) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
c) Nitrous oxide (N2O)
d) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Answer: b) Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Explanation: Carbon dioxide is the most abundant greenhouse gas and a major driver of global warming.
Q8 What is a common effect of prolonged exposure to high levels of air pollution?
a) Improved lung function
b) Reduced risk of allergies
c) Cardiovascular problems
d) Stronger immune system
Answer: c) Cardiovascular problems
Explanation: Prolonged exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Q9 Which air pollutant is responsible for depleting the ozone layer in the stratosphere?
a) Carbon monoxide (CO)
b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
c) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
d) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Answer: b) Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
Explanation: Chlorofluorocarbons are known for their role in ozone layer depletion.
Q10 What is the primary source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in indoor air?
a) Outdoor pollution
b) Household cleaning products
c) Soil erosion
d) Solar radiation
Answer: b) Household cleaning products
Explanation: VOCs in indoor air often come from household products like paints, solvents, and cleaners.
Q11 Which pollutant is responsible for the formation of “black carbon” or soot?
a) Sulfur dioxide (SO2)
b) Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
c) Carbon monoxide (CO)
d) Particulate matter (PM)
Answer: d) Particulate matter (PM)
Explanation: Soot or black carbon is a type of particulate matter emitted from combustion processes.
Q12 What is the primary health risk associated with exposure to lead in the air?
a) Skin cancer
b) Neurological damage
c) Respiratory infections
d) Bone fractures
Answer: b) Neurological damage
Explanation: Exposure to lead in the air can cause neurological damage, especially in children.
Q13 Which pollutant is responsible for the “hole” in the ozone layer?
a) Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
b) Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
c) Bromine compounds (Br)
d) Methane (CH4)
Answer: c) Bromine compounds (Br)
Explanation: Bromine compounds, like bromine monoxide (BrO), contribute to ozone layer depletion.
Q14 What is the primary purpose of an air quality index (AQI)?
a) To measure indoor air quality
b) To predict the weather
c) To assess the cleanliness of drinking water
d) To communicate air pollution levels to the public
Answer: d) To communicate air pollution levels to the public
Explanation: An AQI is a tool used to inform the public about current air quality and associated health risks.
Q15 Which type of air pollution is characterized by tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air?
a) Greenhouse gases
b) Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
c) Particulate matter (PM)
d) Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
Answer: c) Particulate matter (PM)
Explanation: Particulate matter consists of tiny particles or droplets that can be inhaled and pose health risks.
