5.4.1 Air and Water Quality

• What does air quality measure in the context of environmental health?

  Freedom from harmful pollutants
• High levels of air pollutants like particulate matter and ozone can cause respiratory problems and environmental damage.
• Water quality is determined by factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity.
• What are the health impacts of particulate matter pollution?

  Respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
• Match the air pollutant with its source:

  Ozone ↔️ Chemical reactions in the air

  Nitrogen oxides ↔️ Vehicle exhaust

  Carbon monoxide ↔️ Incomplete combustion of fuels

  Heavy metals ↔️ Industrial waste
• Heavy metals in water can cause kidney damage and nervous system disorders.
• The quality of air and water significantly influences environmental health and overall quality of life.
• What is the primary source of particulate matter in air pollution?

  Combustion processes
• Which water pollutant is commonly associated with sewage contamination?

  Pathogens
• Poor water quality can disrupt aquatic ecosystems and affect agricultural yields.
• What is air quality measured by?

  Concentrations of pollutants
• Water quality is determined by factors like pH, dissolved oxygen, and the presence of heavy metals and pesticides
• Both air and water quality significantly influence environmental health.
• Match the quality category with its key pollutants:

  Air Quality ↔️ Particulate matter, Ozone

  Water Quality ↔️ Heavy metals, Pesticides
• What are five common air pollutants mentioned in the study material?

  PM2.5, Ozone, NO₂, SO₂, CO
• Match the air pollutant with its primary source:

  Particulate matter ↔️ Combustion, construction

  Ozone ↔️ Chemical reactions

  Nitrogen oxides ↔️ Vehicle exhaust

  Sulfur dioxide ↔️ Burning fossil fuels
• Vehicle exhaust is a major source of nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
• Carbon monoxide is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels.
• What are two pollutants primarily emitted by vehicle exhaust?

  NOx and CO
• What are two major air pollutants released by vehicle exhaust?

  Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
• Particulate matter is produced by combustion processes and construction
• Nitrogen oxides are primarily released by vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions.
• What process produces carbon monoxide as a byproduct?

  Incomplete combustion of fuels
• Particulate matter exposure can lead to respiratory problems and heart diseases
• What health effect is associated with ozone exposure?

  Respiratory irritation
• Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery to organs and can cause neurological damage.
• High concentrations of ozone can harm plant growth and agricultural yields
• What environmental effect does acid rain have on forests?

  Damages soil chemistry
• Match the air or water pollutant with its source:

  Particulate matter ↔️ Combustion processes

  Heavy metals ↔️ Industrial waste

  Pesticides ↔️ Agricultural runoff
• Water quality is influenced by factors such as pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals.
• Agricultural runoff containing pesticides can contaminate water sources, affecting human health
• What are two major air pollutants released by vehicle exhaust?

  Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide
• Air pollution contributes to acid rain, which damages forests and aquatic ecosystems
• High ozone concentrations can harm plant growth and affect agricultural yields.
• Match the water pollutant with its source:

  Heavy metals ↔️ Industrial waste

  Pathogens ↔️ Sewage contamination

  Nitrates ↔️ Fertilizers
• Water pollution caused by heavy metals can lead to kidney damage
• What is one effect of water pollution on aquatic ecosystems?

  Algae blooms
• Untreated sewage containing pathogens can contaminate rivers and cause waterborne diseases.
• Steps to improve air and water quality:

  1️⃣ Reduce emissions from vehicles and industries

  2️⃣ Invest in renewable energy

  3️⃣ Implement stricter pollution standards

  4️⃣ Treat wastewater effectively

  5️⃣ Protect watersheds

  6️⃣ Use sustainable agricultural practices
• What does water quality assess in environmental health?

  Safety for drinking and use