School Improvement in Maryland

Public Release Item
Selected Response Item for Grade 6

Standard 6.0 Environmental Science

Topic B. Environmental Issues

Indicator 1. Recognize and explain that human-caused changes have consequences for Maryland's environment as well as for other places and future times.

Objective a. Identify and describe a range of local issues that have an impact on people in other places.

Use the information below to answer the following.

Coal-burning power plants in Maryland release sulfur and nitrogen products into the air that contribute to soot, smog, and acid rain. These have direct effects on the air quality and are thought to increase the temperatures on Earth.

Mercury is also released from coal-burning power plants and is often found in organisms in water. Humans who eat these mercury-contaminated organisms develop brain and nerve tissue more slowly than humans who do not eat mercury-contaminated organisms.

MARYLAND AIR QUALITY AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2002
Number of days with unhealthy air quality 42
Number of Maryland children with asthma 143,754
Number of Maryland adults with asthma 445,759
Number of asthma attacks due to soot 17,000
Number of lost workdays due to soot 101,977


How does air pollution in Maryland most likely affect residents of surrounding states?

  1. The residents experience more respiratory illnesses.
  2. The residents experience fewer eye infections.
  3. The residents harvest more vegetable crops.
  4. The residents produce less electricity.

Correct Answer
A. The residents experience more respiratory illnesses.
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