Pollution & Smoking (AQA A Level Biology): Revision Note
Exam code: 7402
Interpreting data: pollution & smoking
Exposure to pollution and cigarette smoke has been linked to lung disease, e.g.
cigarettes contain:
cancer-causing chemicals
chemicals that affect the ability of the blood to transport oxygen
chemicals that increase mucus production in the airways
air pollution has been linked to:
worsening COPD
asthma
lung cancer
Examiner Tips and Tricks
You are not expected to know the effects of smoking and air pollution on the lungs, but you need to be able to interpret data relating to their effects on the incidence of lung disease.
Worked Example
The graph below shows smoking rates in men and women in the UK, as well as rates of lung cancer.
A student considered the data and concluded that smoking causes lung cancer.
Evaluate the student's conclusion.
[3]
Answer:
The student's conclusion is supported by the data
Smoking rates and cancer rates are both higher in men; [1 mark]
As smoking rates in men have decreased, so too have cancer rates in men; [1 mark]
The student's conclusion is not backed up by data
A maximum of two of the following:
The difference between cancer rates in men and women is greater than the difference in smoking rates; [1 mark]
Cancer rates in women have increased while the smoking rates in women have decreased; [1 mark]
Lung cancer rates have only been recorded since the 1970s so there might not be enough data; [1 mark]
The data shows a correlation but this does not indicate a causal relationship; [1 mark]
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