Q. Which of the following is a major cause of air pollution ?

Correct Answer: b) Burning of fossil fuels

Explanation: The burning of fossil fuels is a major cause of air pollution. Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are burned for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes, releasing harmful pollutants into the atmosphere.

1. Pollutants Released:
– Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), and particulate matter (PM).
– These pollutants contribute to smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and global warming.

2. Impact on Air Quality:
– The release of particulate matter and toxic gases significantly degrades air quality, leading to health issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory diseases.

Other Options:
– a) Disposal of plastics: Improper disposal of plastics contributes to land and water pollution but is not a major cause of air pollution.
– c) Deforestation: While deforestation impacts carbon sequestration and contributes indirectly to climate change, it is not a direct cause of air pollution.
– d) Excessive use of pesticides: This primarily affects soil and water quality rather than air pollution.