S4.14.5 For the adult
Air pollution
On some days a brown haze hangs over Priya’s town and her eyes sting. Where does it come from?
What this chapter teaches
Burning fuel makes carbon dioxide, and also carbon monoxide, soot, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These cause smog, which builds up under a warm layer of air, and acid rain, which wears away stone and harms lakes and forests. Smoke from cooking fires indoors harms the lungs and heart, as the World Health Organization says.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- What pollutants come from burning fuel, and what harm does each do?
- Why does smog build up when a warm layer of air lies over cool air?
- Why is smoke from a cooking fire in a closed room harmful, and what would make it safer?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Explain how burning fuels causes smog and acid rain
- Explain why smoke from indoor cooking fires harms health
What they copy into their notebook
Burning fuel makes CO, soot, SO₂ and nitrogen oxides. Smog is trapped under a warm lid. SO₂ and nitrogen oxides make acid rain. Indoor smoke harms lungs: use a chimney and clean fuel.