Air And Water Pollution Control (AWPC) Exam 1 Practice

Which statement about PM health effects is true?

PM cannot be inhaled PM can contain toxic or carcinogenic materials PM comprises only inert minerals PM improves lung function

Correct Answer:

PM can contain toxic or carcinogenic materials

Explanation:

Particulate matter is a mixture of tiny particles in the air that people can inhale, and its health effects depend a lot on what it's made of. PM isn’t limited to inert minerals; it can carry toxic metals and organic compounds, including carcinogens, from sources like vehicle exhaust, industry, and fires. Those harmful constituents can trigger airway inflammation and oxidative stress, and some can contribute to cancer risk, which is why PM exposure is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular problems. It’s not true that PM cannot be inhaled, nor that it consists only of inert minerals, and PM exposure does not improve lung function.

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