Introduction
Air pollution is one of the most direct ways environmental issues impact human health. In IB Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), the 2026 first assessment syllabus highlights air pollution not only as a threat to ecosystems but also as a public health crisis.
This topic allows you to link atmospheric systems, human activity, and sustainability. Examiners like it because it requires both scientific understanding and evaluation of social responses. By mastering air pollution and its health effects, you’ll be well-prepared for both Paper 1 data analysis and Paper 2 essay questions.
Quick Start Checklist for ESS Students
When revising air pollution and health, make sure you can:
- Identify the major sources of air pollution.
- Explain the main pollutants (particulates, NOx, SO₂, ozone).
- Describe human health impacts (short-term and long-term).
- Use case studies showing real-world consequences.
- Evaluate management and prevention strategies.
Sources of Air Pollution
- Transport: vehicle emissions, especially in urban areas.
- Industry: coal-fired power plants, factories, mining.
- Agriculture: burning of crop residues, livestock emissions.
- Domestic sources: wood-burning stoves, household fuel use.
Types of Air Pollutants to Know
1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5, PM10)
- Tiny particles that penetrate deep into lungs.
- Causes respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
2. Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- From vehicle exhausts and industry.
- Cause smog and respiratory irritation.
3. Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂)
- From burning coal and oil.
- Leads to acid rain and breathing problems.
4. Ground-Level Ozone (O₃)
- Formed from reactions of NOx and volatile organic compounds in sunlight.
- Causes chest pain, coughing, and reduced lung function.
5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- From incomplete combustion.
- Reduces oxygen transport in blood.
Human Health Impacts of Air Pollution
Short-Term
- Coughing, wheezing, eye irritation.
- Asthma attacks triggered by poor air quality.
Long-Term
- Chronic respiratory diseases (e.g., COPD).
- Cardiovascular disease and strokes.
- Increased risk of lung cancer.
- Reduced life expectancy.
According to the WHO, air pollution contributes to millions of premature deaths each year, making it a major global health concern.
Case Studies for ESS Exams
- London “Great Smog” (1952): thousands died from coal smoke and SO₂.
- Beijing, China: severe smog events linked to coal burning and vehicle emissions.
- Delhi, India: one of the world’s most polluted cities, with PM2.5 levels far above safe limits.
- Los Angeles, USA: photochemical smog from cars and industry.
Management and Prevention Strategies
- Technological: catalytic converters, renewable energy, electric vehicles.
- Policy: emission limits, Clean Air Acts, congestion charges.
- Behavioral: reducing car use, promoting public transport, urban green spaces.
- International: WHO guidelines, cross-border agreements on air pollution.
Air Pollution in ESS Exams
Paper 1
You may be asked to interpret graphs of pollutant levels, air quality indices, or health statistics.
Paper 2
Possible questions include:
- “Discuss the impacts of air pollution on human health.”
- “Evaluate strategies to reduce air pollution.”
Exam Tips
- Always link pollutants to specific health effects. Example: PM2.5 → lung disease.
- Use case studies for depth and application.
- Evaluate strategies by weighing effectiveness, cost, and public acceptance.
FAQs
1. Do I need to know indoor air pollution?
Yes, but briefly. Household fuel use (wood, coal, kerosene) is a major health risk in developing countries.
2. How detailed should I be with pollutants?
Know the key ones (PM, NOx, SO₂, O₃, CO) and their effects. Chemical equations are not required.
3. Could this appear in Paper 1?
Yes. Expect air quality graphs or maps linked to health impacts.
Conclusion
Air pollution directly connects environmental issues to human well-being, making it a key topic in the ESS syllabus. By understanding sources, pollutants, health impacts, and management strategies—and supporting your answers with case studies—you’ll be well-prepared for exam questions in the 2026 first assessment.
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