Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:-
Given the fact that most of us spend over 90% of our time indoors, it is most important to recognize that the air we breathe in at home or in offices can be polluted. It can be a cause of ill-health. Air pollutants that are generally present in very low concentrations can assume significance in closed ill-ventilated places. The indoor air pollution can lead to allergic reactions and cause irritation to the skin, the eyes and the nose. But as is logical to assume, the brunt of insult by pollutants is borne by the lungs. It can lead to the development of fresh breathing problems, especially in those who have allergic tendencies, or it can worsen the existing respiratory illness like asthma and bronchitis. There can be several of indoor air pollution. Tobacco smoke is one of the most important air pollutants in closed places. “Passive smoking” or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) pollution can lead to all the harmful effects of tobacco smoking seen in the smokers in their non-smoking companions. ETS as a health hazard has been unequivocally proven and is also getting social recognition now. One can occasionally see signs displaying the all-important message: “Your smoking is injurious to my health” in offices and homes. The children of smoking parents are among the worst affected persons. The exposure of young children to ETS leads to increased respiratory problems and hospital admissions as compared to non-exposed children. Several studies, including those done at the PGI, have shown an increased risk of lung cancer among women exposed to passive smoking. ETS also worsens the existing lung diseases like asthma and bronchitis. It may be responsible for the development of asthma in children. The next most important source of indoor air pollution is the allergens. House dust mites (HDM) are very small insects not visible to the naked eye and are the commonest source of allergy in the house. They are ubiquitous and thrive in a warm and moist atmosphere. They breed very fast and are very difficult to eradicate. Modem houses present ample breeding spaces for them in the form of carpets, curtains, mattresses, pillows, etc.
a) State whether the following statements are True or False. Write ‘T’ for Trueand ‘F’ for False.
i) Indoor pollution causes damage to lungs.
Answer – True
ii) Effects of passive smoking tell more on the health of the smokers.
Answer – False
iii) Women are more prone to lung cancer due to passive smoking.
Answer –True
iv) HDM thrives on carpets, curtains, mattresses and pillows.
Answer – True
b) Answer each of the following questions in about 30 words: –
i) What problems can be caused by indoor air pollution?
Answer –Indoor air pollution can cause allergic reaction and irritation in the eyes, skin and nose. It can also cause several lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer.
ii) What is ETS? What effect does it have on the environment?
Answer – ETS or environmental tobacco smoking it is also known as passive smoking. Effects of ETS can be seen in the non-smoking companions of the smokers. It can increase the risk of lung cancer and can worsen existing lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. Effects of ETS can also effect the children of smoker parents. They are more prone to respiratory diseases compared to non-exposed children.
iii) What is the source of allergy in the house? Where and how does it thrive?
Answer –The source of allergy in the house is House dutsm mites or HDM.
They are found in the carpets, curtains, pillows, mattresses. They thrive in the warm and moist atmosphere.