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What Are The 5 Effects Of Air Pollution? — Reading Comprehension

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This engaging, audio-integrated reading passage, "What Are The 5 Effects Of Air Pollution?", is designed for 6th-grade students. It clearly explains the five major impacts of air pollution on human health and the environment, including respiratory problems, climate change, acid rain, smog, and harm to wildlife. Key terms are defined to support comprehension, and the content aligns with NGSS MS-ESS3-3, focusing on human impacts on the environment. Through accessible language and relevant examples, students will learn about this critical environmental issue and its far-reaching consequences. This passage is a valuable resource for teaching environmental science.

CONTENT PREVIEW

llustrated scenes show air pollution’s effects on health, climate, rain, smog, and wildlife. — Air pollution harms people, nature, and climate through smog, acid rain, and global warming.

Air pollution is a big problem that affects everyone on Earth. It happens when harmful substances, like chemicals and tiny particles, get into the air. These substances come from many places, such as cars, factories, and even burning wood. Understanding the effects of air pollution is important for keeping ourselves and our planet healthy.

Here are five major ways air pollution impacts us:

One of the most immediate effects is on our health. Breathing in polluted air can lead to serious respiratory problems. This means issues with our lungs and breathing. People might get asthma, bronchitis, or other lung diseases. Children and older adults are often more vulnerable. The tiny particles in polluted air can even get into our bloodstream, affecting other parts of our body, including the heart.

Another significant effect is climate change. This is a long-term shift in global weather patterns. When certain gases, like carbon dioxide, are released into the atmosphere, they trap heat. This is known as the greenhouse effect. While some greenhouse effect is natural and good, too much leads to the Earth getting warmer. This global warming can cause glaciers to melt, sea levels to rise, and extreme weather events.

Air pollution also causes acid rain. This isn't just regular rain; it's rain that contains harmful acids from pollutants in the air. When factories release sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, these gases mix with water in the clouds. When this acidic rain falls, it can damage trees, harm fish in lakes, and even wear away buildings and statues. It changes the chemistry of the soil and water, making it difficult for plants and animals to survive.

You might have also heard of smog. This is a type of air pollution that looks like a hazy, yellowish-brown cloud, often seen over cities. Smog is a mix of smoke and fog, created when sunlight reacts with pollutants from cars and industries. It reduces visibility and makes the air difficult to breathe. Smog can irritate eyes and throats and worsen respiratory problems.

Finally, air pollution has a big impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Animals breathe the same polluted air we do, which can make them sick. Pollutants can also get into their food and water sources. Acid rain can destroy forests and harm aquatic life. Climate change can alter habitats, forcing animals to move or putting them at risk of extinction. Protecting air quality is crucial for the survival of countless species.

Interesting Fact: Even indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, due to things like cleaning products, dust, and smoke from cooking or fireplaces.

Which of the following is NOT listed as a source of air pollution?

CarsFactoriesBurning woodClean water

What is one effect of air pollution on buildings and statues?

Makes them strongerWears them awayMakes them shinyPaints them green

True or False: Smog is a mix of smoke and fog.

TrueFalse

What does 'respiratory problems' primarily refer to?

Heart issuesDigestion issuesBreathing and lung issuesSkin problems

How does the greenhouse effect contribute to climate change?

Traps heat in atmosphereCreates more rainReflects sunlight awayCools the Earth

Which group of people is often more vulnerable to health effects from air pollution?

Adult menYoung adultsChildren, older adultsTeenagers