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Flip to reveal answersGive two acute respiratory effects of air pollution.
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All 15 Flashcards — Impacts of urban air pollution
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Question
Give two acute respiratory effects of air pollution.
Answer
Coughing/wheezing and asthma attacks (also shortness of breath).
💡 Hint
Short-term breathing effects
Question
Name two major categories of air pollution impacts.
Answer
Human health impacts and environmental impacts.
💡 Hint
Health + environment
Question
How does acid deposition form?
Answer
SO2 and NOx react with water in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids (wet or dry deposition).
💡 Hint
SO2/NOx → acids
Question
Give two effects of acid deposition on freshwater ecosystems.
Answer
Lower pH can kill fish/invertebrates and disrupt food webs; mobilisation of aluminium can further increase toxicity.
💡 Hint
Low pH + aluminium
Question
How can PM2.5 increase heart attack risk?
Answer
Particles can enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and increasing cardiovascular stress and clot risk.
💡 Hint
PM2.5 → blood → inflammation
Question
Which pollutant type is most associated with cardiovascular disease risk?
Answer
Fine particulate matter (PM2.5).
💡 Hint
PM2.5
Question
How can ozone (O3) harm plants?
Answer
Ground-level ozone damages leaf tissue and reduces photosynthesis, lowering crop yields and weakening vegetation.
💡 Hint
Leaf damage
Question
Which groups are most vulnerable to air pollution and why?
Answer
Children (developing lungs), elderly (weaker health), and people with existing respiratory/cardiovascular conditions.
💡 Hint
Children + elderly + pre-existing
Question
What two gases are key precursors to acid deposition?
Answer
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
💡 Hint
SO2 + NOx
Question
Name two long-term diseases linked to polluted air.
Answer
COPD/chronic bronchitis and lung cancer (also heart disease and stroke).
💡 Hint
Chronic disease risk
Question
Why are children more affected by air pollution than adults?
Answer
They breathe more air per body mass and their lungs and immune systems are still developing.
💡 Hint
Developing lungs
Question
Why can air pollution affect areas far from the city source?
Answer
Pollutants and acid deposition can be transported hundreds of kilometres by wind before being deposited.
💡 Hint
Long-range transport
Question
Exam tip: What should you do for “environmental impacts” questions?
Answer
Link specific pollutants to specific impacts (SO2/NOx → acid deposition; O3 → plant damage; PM → haze) with clear cause-effect.
💡 Hint
Pollutant → impact
Question
How should you write a strong “health impacts” answer?
Answer
Use cause → effect chains (pollutant exposure → body pathway → health outcome) and name pollutants (e.g., PM2.5).
💡 Hint
Cause → pathway → effect
Question
7-mark tip: What should you include to score highly on impacts questions?
Answer
Cover multiple health impacts and at least one environmental impact, name pollutants, and use cause-effect chains.
💡 Hint
Breadth + specificity
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Full study notes for Impacts of urban air pollution
Topic 8.3 hub
Urban air pollution
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