Question

Match the pairs from 'A' and 'B' columns and explain the effect of pollution on human health.

Column 'A'	Column 'B'
1. Water containing cobalt	a. Mental retardedness
2. Methane gas	b. Paralysis
3. Water containing lead	c. Inflammation of lungs.
4. Sulphur dioxide	d. Skin cancer
5. Nitrogen dixoide	e. Irritation of eyes

Answer 1

Column 'A'	Answer
1. Water containing cobalt	b. Paralysis
2. Methane gas	d. Skin cancer
3. Water containing lead	a. Mental retardedness
4. Sulphur dioxide	e. Irritation of eyes
5. Nitrogen dixoide	c. Inflammation of lungs

Explanation: 

1. Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, and Cobalt are classified as heavy metals. They contribute to water pollution, and their ingestion can be hazardous to human health. Drinking water contaminated with cobalt may impact the central nervous system and lead to paralysis.
2. Methane gas is a hydrocarbon that forms in regions where the decomposition and decay of animal or plant remains occur. It is also known as marsh gas. Prolonged exposure to methane gas can increase the risk of skin cancer in humans.
3. Arsenic, Mercury, Lead, and Cobalt are classified as heavy metals. They contribute to water pollution, and their ingestion poses a significant risk to human health. Drinking water with a high concentration of lead can lead to mental retardation in children and teenagers.
4. Sulphur dioxide is a gas emitted when coal is burned in thermal power plants. Its release into the atmosphere leads to acid rain. If a person is exposed to sulphur dioxide, it may have harmful effects on health.
5. Inflammation is a medical condition characterized by swelling or redness in a body organ. Nitrogen dioxide is primarily emitted from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles. Prolonged inhalation of nitrogen dioxide can lead to inflammation.