Question

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), which particulate size in diameter (in micrometres) of the air pollutants is responsible for the greatest harm to human health?
A. 1.0 or less
B. 5.2 – 2.5
C. 2.5 or less
D. 1.5 or less

Answer 1

Hint: Some people are allergic to pollen and dust. The small particles in the atmosphere can enter our respiratory system, our body acts as a barrier to the larger particles, and does not let them enter our nasals. Breathing is affected if we live in a polluted area.

Complete answer: The harmful substances or gases in the air cause pollution. The presence of toxic gases pollutes the environment. The gases from various sources like vehicles, factories get mixed in the atmosphere and pollute them.
What is particulate matter? The sooty, dust or pollens, spores, hairs etc are the suspended particulate matter in the atmosphere called particulate matter. Their size makes them a threat to us. Smaller the size, larger the harm to us.
So the Central Pollution Control Board in India was set up to look after the pollution rate in the atmosphere. They deduced that the particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometres can enter our respiratory system and cause pulmonary diseases. They can be deeply inhaled in the lungs and can prove to be fatal.

So the answer is option C: 2.5 or less.

Note: India has the most number of polluted cities. 99% of our pollution breathes the polluted air as said by the WHO. The main reasons for the pollution are construction sites, power plants, vehicle emissions etc. The gases also contribute to global warming making the Earth’s temperature go high. This reduces the life expectancy of the existing human life. Pollution impacts child growth, birth weight etc. Smog is another concept leading to harmful impacts on our lives in winters.