IGCSEScienceEdexcelScience (Double Award)BiologyRevision Notes4. Ecology & the EnvironmentHuman Influences on the EnvironmentBiological Consequences of Air Pollution

Biological Consequences of Air Pollution (Edexcel IGCSE Science (Double Award)): Revision Note

Exam code: 4SD0

Lára Marie McIvor

Last updated

Edexcel Science (Double Award): BiologyEdexcel Biology (Modular): Unit 2Edexcel Biology

The Effects of Air Pollution

Air pollution

  • There are several biological consequence of air pollution due to a range of different pollutant gases:

    • Carbon monoxide (CO) pollution:

      • Binds to haemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport in blood.

      • Can lead to suffocation and death in high concentrations.

    • Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) pollution:

      • Combines with water vapor to form acid rain, damaging plants, aquatic life, and soil.

      • Causes respiratory problems in humans.

Air pollution and acid rain

How acid rain is produced, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Biology revision notes

How air pollution leads to acid rain

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    Lára Marie McIvor

    Author: Lára Marie McIvor

    Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

    Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.