Environmental pollution (urban air): Which metal is a major pollutant in the air of large cities? Consider historical vehicular emissions and legacy contamination from fuels and industry. Choose the correct metal.
General Knowledge
General Science
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
Answer
Correct Answer: Lead
Explanation
Given data
- Context: Big-city air quality, traffic-related emissions.
Concept/ApproachFor decades, lead was emitted from leaded gasoline (tetraethyl lead). Though phased out in many countries, urban dust/soil often retains legacy lead; industrial sources also contribute.
ReasoningLeaded petrol → exhaust aerosols with Pb compounds → ambient air/dust contamination.
Common pitfallsChromium and cadmium are industrial toxins but less ubiquitous in traffic-related ambient air than historical lead.
Final AnswerLead