Air Quality and Health Risks

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following gases is primarily involved in the process of gas exchange in the lungs?

  • Oxygen (correct)
  • Argon
  • Nitrogen
  • Carbon dioxide (correct)

What is the function of stomata in plants?

  • To absorb sunlight
  • To facilitate gas exchange (correct)
  • To provide nutrients
  • To store water

Which method is most suitable for detecting the presence of water vapor?

  • Burning splint test
  • Chemical indicator test
  • Glowing splint test
  • Cobalt chloride paper (correct)

What does inhaled air primarily consist of?

<p>Oxygen, nitrogen, and traces of other gases (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which component of the breathing system is responsible for directing air to the lungs?

<p>Bronchus (C), Trachea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is produced when hydrogen is burnt?

<p>Water (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of fuel is hydrogen classified as?

<p>Clean fuel (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about hydrogen combustion is accurate?

<p>It produces water only. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is hydrogen considered a sustainable energy source?

<p>It generates pollution-free energy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes hydrogen from traditional fossil fuels?

<p>It is a gas at room temperature. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health risk level requires no action for the general public?

<p>Moderate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is advised for individuals experiencing symptoms related to existing illnesses?

<p>Reduce outdoor activities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which situation should outdoor activities be minimized?

<p>For people with health conditions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) consider in its calculation?

<p>Amounts of specific air pollutants and local health statistics (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a recommendation for individuals with heart or respiratory illnesses?

<p>Increase time spent outside (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which health risk level is described as serious?

<p>May require reducing outdoor activities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major source of air pollution in cities like Hong Kong?

<p>Power stations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of outdoor activities is generally advised to be reduced?

<p>All outdoor activities (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered an air pollutant?

<p>Oxygen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What health issues can be caused by air pollutants?

<p>Various health problems (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What action is suggested for the public during high health risk conditions?

<p>Reduce time spent outdoors (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these substances is primarily produced during the burning of fossil fuels?

<p>Nitrogen oxides (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of environmental problem is highlighted in relation to Hong Kong?

<p>Air pollution (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are suspended particulates primarily associated with?

<p>Burning of fossil fuels (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a result of poor air quality?

<p>Various health problems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which gas is primarily produced by motor vehicles?

<p>Carbon monoxide (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the observation made when a water plant is put under sunlight?

<p>Gas bubbles are formed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In an experiment comparing whether chlorophyll is necessary for photosynthesis, which variable should be controlled?

<p>Amount of sunlight received. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What color change occurs when a destarched plant's leaf covered in aluminum foil is tested?

<p>It remains brown. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which combination of plant parts is compared to assess energy release in an experiment?

<p>X and Z. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

To determine the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis, which outcome would NOT support the hypothesis?

<p>Plants without chlorophyll still produce glucose. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the diaphragm in respiration?

<p>To aid in the expansion and contraction of the lungs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following gases is classified as a greenhouse gas?

<p>Carbon dioxide (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where does respiration occur in plants?

<p>In the leaves through stomata (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of enhanced greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

<p>Global warming (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organ is involved in the gas exchange process in humans?

<p>Air sacs (alveoli) (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the by-product of the photosynthesis process?

<p>Oxygen (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do capillaries play in respiration?

<p>Facilitate oxygen uptake in the lungs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements accurately describes the greenhouse effect?

<p>It traps thermal energy in the atmosphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of intercostal muscles in respiration?

<p>To assist in moving the rib cage for breathing (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is most associated with stomata?

<p>Transpiration (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Burning of ______ in power stations, factories and motor cars releases various ______ to the air. This is a major cause of air pollution in many places.

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High levels of sulphur dioxide and ______ in air can irritate our lungs.

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Flashcards

Hydrogen fuel

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that only produces water when burned.

Hydrogen burning

The chemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen producing water.

Clean fuel

A fuel that produces minimal pollution upon combustion.

Air pollution

A serious environmental problem caused by harmful substances in the air.

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Air pollutants

Harmful substances in the air that are produced by burning fossil fuels, factories, and cars.

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Fossil fuels

Sources of energy like coal, oil, and natural gas that release pollutants when burned.

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Sulphur dioxide

A gas produced by burning fossil fuels that affects air quality.

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Nitrogen oxides

Air pollutants formed by burning fossil fuels; they cause health problems.

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Ozone

A pollutant harming human health.

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Suspended particulates

Fine particles in the air caused by burning materials like fossil fuels.

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Air quality

A measure of how clean or polluted the air is.

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Gas Exchange

The process of taking in oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide.

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Stomata

Small openings on the surface of leaves that allow gas exchange.

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Inhaled Air

The air taken into the lungs during breathing.

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Exhaled Air

The air released from the lungs during breathing.

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Breathing System

The organs and structures involved in breathing, including lungs, airways and muscles.

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Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

A measure of air quality and its potential health effects, calculated based on air pollutant levels and local health data.

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Moderate Health Risk

A level of health risk that warrants some reduction in outdoor activities and time spent outside.

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Serious Health Risk

A higher level of health risk, necessitating a significant reduction of outdoor activities and minimizing time spent outside.

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General Public Health Advice Moderate Risk

General public should reduce outdoor activities and time spent outdoors to minimum.

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Health Advice for Existing Heart/Respiratory Illnesses (Moderate Risk)

Individuals with heart or respiratory illnesses should consider reducing outdoor activities to minimize risk.

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Health Advice for Existing Heart/Respiratory Illnesses (Serious Risk)

Individuals with heart or respiratory illnesses should minimize outdoor activities, reducing time outside to the minimum.

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AQHI Calculation

AQHI is calculated based on the amounts of specific air pollutants and local health information.

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Variegated leaves

Leaves with patches of different colors, often green and white.

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Destarched plant

A plant that has had its food reserves (starch) removed.

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What does a destarched plant do under sunlight?

A destarched plant with variegated leaves will turn blue-black in the green parts when exposed to sunlight, indicating starch production due to photosynthesis.

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Controlled variable

A factor kept constant in an experiment to ensure only the independent variable is affecting the results.

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Identifying variables

Identifying the independent (manipulated) and dependent (measured) variables in an experiment.

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Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight to produce food.

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Chlorophyll

The green pigment in plants that absorbs sunlight for photosynthesis.

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Glucose

A type of sugar produced during photosynthesis.

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Chemical Change

A change in which a substance is transformed into a new substance.

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Reactant

A substance that undergoes a chemical change in a reaction.

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Product

A substance produced by a chemical reaction.

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Food Chain

A series of organisms that depend on each other for food.

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Producer

An organism that makes its own food

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Consumer

An organism that eats other organisms for energy.

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Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere.

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Major Sources of Air Pollution

Burning fossil fuels, factories, and cars release harmful pollutants into the air.

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AQHI Categories

The AQHI is grouped into five categories, from low to very high, based on the level of pollution.

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Health Risks from Air Pollution

Breathing polluted air can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.

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Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas released from burning fossil fuels, contributing to climate change.

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Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

A pollutant released by burning fossil fuels that can irritate the lungs and contribute to acid rain.

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Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Pollutants released by burning fossil fuels, contributing to smog and acid rain.

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Ozone (O3)

A harmful pollutant that can damage the lungs and trigger asthma.

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Effects of High Ozone Levels

High ozone levels irritate the eyes, airways, and can worsen asthma.

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Improving Air Quality

We can improve air quality by switching to cleaner energy sources, using public transportation, and reducing our reliance on cars.

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Electric Cars

Cars that run on electricity, reducing emissions and improving air quality.

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Wind Power

Using wind turbines to generate electricity, a clean and renewable energy source.

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Purpose of the AQHI

The AQHI informs people about the air quality and potential health risks, helping them make informed decisions about outdoor activities.

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Health Risk Categories

The AQHI categorizes air quality based on health risks, from low risk to very high risk.

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High AQHI

Indicates a higher level of air pollution, posing greater health risks, especially for vulnerable groups.

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Action for High AQHI

When the AQHI is high, it's recommended to reduce outdoor activities and time spent outside.

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Health Advice for Vulnerable Groups

Individuals with health conditions, such as heart or respiratory illnesses, should be particularly cautious during periods of high air pollution.

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Reducing Exposure to Pollution

Individuals can minimize their exposure to air pollution by staying indoors, avoiding strenuous activities outdoors, and using air purifiers.

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Public Transportation

Using buses, trains, and subways can reduce car traffic and air pollution.

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Sustainable Practices

Adopting sustainable practices, such as recycling and reducing energy consumption, can contribute to cleaner air.

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Fossil Fuel Alternatives

Switching to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power can significantly reduce air pollution.

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Air Quality Monitoring

Regularly monitoring air quality helps identify sources of pollution and track changes over time.

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Public Awareness

Raising public awareness about air pollution and its impacts can encourage individuals to take action and contribute to cleaner air.

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International Cooperation

Collaboration between countries and international organizations is crucial to address transboundary air pollution.

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Long-Term Impacts

Air pollution can have long-term impacts on human health, ecosystems, and climate change.

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Air Quality Improvement

Continued efforts to reduce air pollution are essential for improving public health and protecting the environment.

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Study Notes

Air Quality

  • Air pollution is a major environmental issue in Hong Kong and many other cities globally.
  • Pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, ozone, carbon monoxide, and suspended particulates are produced by fossil fuel burning in power plants, factories, and vehicles.
  • Air pollution can cause harm to various body parts (eyes, breathing system, brain).
  • Exposure to air pollutants increases risks of diseases like stroke, heart disease, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.
  • Children, the elderly, and people with existing heart or respiratory illnesses are more vulnerable to air pollution's effects.
  • PM10 and PM2.5 are tiny solid particles in air, harming health by entering lungs and blood.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) has a safety limit for PM2.5, which Hong Kong sometimes exceeds.

Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)

  • The AQHI gives public information on health risks from air pollutants.
  • The AQHI scale ranges from 1 to 10 (and 10+), categorized into health risk levels.
  • The higher the AQHI, the more risk of health problems from pollutants, and reducing outdoor time is recommended.
  • Reducing outdoor time can reduce health risks related to air pollution.

Air Quality Monitoring

  • Air quality is measured at monitoring stations in different districts.
  • Students can find the nearest station to their school to collect data, discuss with classmates about air quality impacts, and suggest solutions.

Leaded Petrol

  • Leaded petrol was used in cars until the 1980s, releasing lead into the atmosphere during combustion. This lead can harm brain development, esp. in children.
  • Many countries banned leaded petrol starting in the 1980s due to environmental concerns.
  • In 2021, Algeria stopped the sale of leaded petrol, marking the end of its use globally.

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