All of the following are atmospheric pollutants except _______.

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Question restatement: All of the following are atmospheric pollutants except _______.
Option 1: Carbon monoxide (CO) — This is a well-known atmospheric pollutant produced by incomplete combustion and can be harmful to human health; it is correctly considered a pollutant.
Option 2: Oxygen (O2) — This is a vital component of the Earth's atmosphere and essential for most aerobic life; it is not a pollutant under normal conditions and is required for respiration, so this option stands out as not fitting the pollutant definition.
Option 3: Sulfur dioxide (SO2) — SO2 is a classic air pollutant arising from burning sulfur-containing fuels and contributes to acid rain and respiratory problems, so it is correctly categorized as a pollutant.
Option 4: Nitric oxide (NO) — NO is emitted from combustion processes and participates in photochemical smog and ozone formation; it is considered an atmospheric pollutant.
Option 5: Lead (Pb) — Lead particles and aerosols are hazardous air pollutants with known health impacts; it is certainly a pollutant.
Why the other options are incorrect as examples of pollutants: Each of CO, SO2, NO, and Pb has well-established adverse health or environmental effects and is regulated as an atmospheric pollutant; they are not essential atmospheric constituents. Why option 2 is the correct exception: Oxygen is not a pollutant; it is an indispensable atmospheric gas required for most animal and microbial life, and its presence is not inherently harmful at typical ambient concentrations. Misconceptions to avoid: Some students might think all gases in the atmosphere are pollutants, but pollution is defined by harmful concentrations or effects, not by mere presence. Oxygen, at normal atmospheric levels (~21%), does not cause harm and is necessary for respiration, unlike the other listed substances which are associated with health risks or environmental damage.

11:375:101:01 INTRO ENV SCIENCE Lecture #20 Quiz

All of the following are atmospheric pollutants except _______.

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