10.3.3 — Adverse Effects of Pollutants
Past Paper Practice · Papers 2 & 3 · 15 Questions
⚠️ Examiner's Golden Rule: Always STATE the pollutant's effect AND EXPLAIN the mechanism where possible. Vague answers lose marks.
State the adverse health effect of carbon monoxide on the human body.
State two adverse health effects of particulates (fine solid particles in the air).
State two adverse health effects of sulfur dioxide on humans.
State one adverse health effect of photochemical smog on humans.
State two adverse health effects of oxides of nitrogen.
Name two gases that contribute to acid rain.
State two adverse environmental effects of acid rain.
State the adverse environmental effect of increased methane levels in the atmosphere.
State two adverse environmental effects of increasing carbon dioxide levels.
State two adverse environmental effects of CFCs released into the atmosphere.
State three adverse effects of oxides of nitrogen (NOₓ) in the atmosphere.
A coal-fired power station releases sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere. State three adverse effects of this sulfur dioxide.
Match each pollutant to its PRIMARY adverse effect: • Carbon Monoxide → ? • Sulfur Dioxide → ? • Methane → ?
Explain how increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases lead to climate change. Include the names of two greenhouse gases in your answer. [3 marks]
A student states: 'All air pollutants have only health effects on humans.' Evaluate this statement. In your answer, refer to at least THREE different pollutants and their specific effects. [4 marks]
🧠 Pollutant Quick-Reference Table
| Pollutant | Source | Environmental Effect | Health Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| CO | Incomplete combustion | — | Toxic, reduces O₂ in blood |
| SO₂ | Burning fossil fuels | Acid rain, damages ecosystems | Respiratory problems |
| NOₓ | Car engines | Acid rain, photochemical smog | Respiratory problems |
| CO₂ | Combustion | Global warming, ocean acidification | Indirect (climate change) |
| CH₄ | Landfill, livestock | Global warming / climate change | Indirect |
| Particulates | Diesel engines, fires | — | Respiratory disease, cancer |
| CFCs | Old aerosols, fridges | Ozone layer depletion | Increased UV → skin cancer |
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