INSIGHT UPSC QUIZ

Science & Technology General Science
Q.

 In context of Air pollution in India, consider the following statements:

1. Presence of high levels of pollutants in air causes visibility to be lowered.

2. Formation of smog is a visible indication of air pollution.

3. Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur dissolve in rain to give rise to acid rain.

Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?

Explanation:

ANSWER: (D)

  • Statement 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
  • The fossil fuels like coal and petroleum contain small amounts of nitrogen and sulphur. When these fuels are burnt, nitrogen and sulphur too are burnt and this produces different oxides of nitrogen and sulphur. 
  • Not only is the inhalation of these gases dangerous, they also dissolve in rain to give rise to acid rain. 
  • The combustion of fossil fuels also increases the amount of suspended particles in air. These suspended particles could be unburnt carbon particles or substances called hydrocarbons. 
  • Presence of high levels of all these pollutants cause visibility to be lowered, especially in cold weather when water also condenses out of air. This is known as smog and is a visible indication of air pollution. 
  • Studies have shown that regularly breathing air that contains any of these substances increases the incidence of allergies, cancer and heart diseases. An increase in the content of these harmful substances in air is called air pollution. 

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