Question

Pallavi got a PUC certificate for her vehicle which indicates which of the following criteria for the vehicle?
a. It has low rate of emission
b. It is equipped with new technology
c. It has greater fuel capacity
d. None of the above

Answer 1

Pollutants are substances that cause pollution. These can be naturally occurring substances or energy that become pollutants when they exceed their natural levels. For example, the sound above 80 decibels causes noise pollution. The physical, chemical or geochemical in nature and its nature and concentration determines its severity for causing pollution.

Complete answer:
- Pollution is caused due to the introduction and accumulation of pollutants in the environment. These pollutants damage the environment adversely and also harm animals, plants and other living organisms.
- Pollution is of various types like air, water, soil, marine pollution, etc. depending upon where these contaminants get accumulated.
- Air pollution is caused due to pollutants entering the air. Among the primary air pollutants, most important are particulate matter, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides.
- Most of these pollutants come from the automobile emissions.
- Proper maintenance of automobiles and using lead free petrol or diesel can reduce the pollutants they emit.
- Also it is important to get a PUC certificate for your vehicle which indicates that it has a low rate of emission. This ensures we are not contributing much to air pollution. It is an important thing which every vehicle owner should carry.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Air pollutants reduce growth and yield of crops and cause premature death of plants. It also affects the respiratory system of humans and other animals. Harmful effects of pollutants depend on its concentration and duration of exposure of the organism to it.