Indoor Pollution Reading Answers

Dec 23, 2022

Indoor Pollution Reading Answers contains 13 questions that are to be answered in 20 minutes. Indoor Pollution Reading Answers is taken from the IELTS Academic Reading Cambridge 3 Test 4, Reading Passage 1. IELTS topic- Indoor Pollution Reading Answersdeals with indoor pollution and its harmful impact on the environment. In this Indoor Pollution Reading Answers, contains 2 different IELTS reading question types are given including- Choose the Correct Answer and Find Cause and Effect Relationship. Candidates need to skim through the passage for the best answer. They can also refer to IELTS Reading practice papers.

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Section 1

Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions

Indoor Pollution Reading Answers

Since the early eighties, we have been only too aware of the devastating effects of large-scale environmental pollution. Such pollution is generally the result of poor government planning in many developing nations or the short-sighted, selfish policies of the already industrialized countries which encourage a minority of the world’s population to squander the majority of its natural resources.
While events such as the deforestation of the Amazon jungle or the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl continue to receive high media exposure, as do acts of environmental sabotage, it must be remembered that not all pollution is on this grand scale. A large proportion of the world’s pollution has its source much closer to home. The recent spillage of crude oil from an oil tanker accidentally discharging its cargo straight into Sydney Harbour not only caused serious damage to the harbor foreshores but also created severely toxic fumes which hung over the suburbs for days and left the angry residents wondering how such a disaster could have been allowed to happen.
Avoiding pollution can be a fulltime job. Try not to inhale traffic fumes; keep away from chemical plants and building sites; wear a mask when cycling. It is enough to make you want to stay at home. But that, according to a growing body of scientific evidence, would also be a bad idea. Research shows that levels of pollutants such as hazardous gases, particulate matter, and other chemical ‘nasties’ are usually higher indoors than out, even in the most polluted cities. Since the average American spends 18 hours indoors for every hour outside, it looks as though many environmentalists may be attacking the wrong target.
The latest study, conducted by two environmental engineers, Richard Corsi and Cynthia Howard-Reed, of the University of Texas in Austin, and published in Environmental Science and Technology, suggests that it is the process of keeping clean that may be making indoor pollution worse. The researchers found that baths, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines can all be significant sources of indoor pollution because they extract trace amounts of chemicals from the water that they use and transfer them to the air.
Nearly all public water supplies contain very low concentrations of toxic chemicals, most of them leftover from the otherwise beneficial process of chlorination. Dr. Corsi wondered whether they stay there when water is used, or whether they end up in the air that people breathe. The team conducted a series of experiments in which known quantities of five such chemicals were mixed with water and passed through a dishwasher, a washing machine, a showerhead inside a shower stall, or a tap in a bath, all inside a specially designed chamber. The levels of chemicals in the effluent water and the air extracted from the chamber were then measured to see how much of each chemical had been transferred from the water into the air.
The degree to which the most volatile elements could be removed from the water, a process is known as chemical stripping, depended on a wide range of factors, including the volatility of the chemical, the temperature of the water, and the surface area available for transfer. Dishwashers were found to be particularly effective: the high-temperature spray, splashing against the crockery and cutlery, results in a nasty plume of toxic chemicals that escapes when the door is opened at the end of the cycle.
In fact, in many cases, the degree of exposure to toxic chemicals in tap water by inhalation is comparable to the exposure that would result from drinking the stuff. This is significant because many people are so concerned about water-borne pollutants that they drink only bottled water, worldwide sales of which are forecast to reach $72 billion by next year. D. Corsi’s results suggest that they are being exposed to such pollutants anyway simply by breathing at home.
However, the aim of such research is not to encourage the use of gas masks when unloading the washing. Instead, it is to bring a sense of perspective to the debate about pollution. According to Dr. Corsi, the disproportionate effort is wasted campaigning against certain forms of outdoor pollution, when there is as much or more cause for concern indoors, right under people’s noses.
Using gas cookers or burning candles, for example, both result in indoor levels of carbon monoxide and particulate matter that are just as high as those to be found outside, amid heavy traffic. Overcrowded classrooms whose ventilation systems were designed for smaller numbers of children frequently contain levels of carbon dioxide that would be regarded as unacceptable on board a submarine. ‘New car smell’ is the result of high levels of toxic chemicals, not cleanliness. Laser printers, computers, carpets, and paints all contribute to the noxious indoor mix.
The implications of indoor pollution for health are unclear. But before worrying about the problems caused by large-scale industry, it makes sense to consider the small-scale pollution at home and welcome international debate about this. Scientists investigating indoor pollution will gather next month in Edinburgh at the Indoor Air conference to discuss the problem. Perhaps unwisely, the meeting is being held indoors.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation

Choose the appropriate letters A-D and write them in boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet.

In the first paragraph, the writer argues that pollution

has increased since the eighties.
is at its worst in industrialized countries.
results from poor relations between nations.
is caused by human self-interest.

Answer: D. is caused by human self-interest.
Supporting sentence: Such pollution is generally the result of poor government planning in many developing nations or the short-sighted
Keywords: selfish policies, poor government planning
Keyword Location: Paragraph A
Explanation: As stated in the keyword, pollution is caused by human self-interest. The reading chapter begins with the reason of pollution; the author plainly states that pollution may be produced by a variety of factors, with bad government planning being the most common in developing nations. Pollution is caused by short-sighted, selfish policies in industrialised industry. This is why this specific answer choice appears to be the best fit.

The Sydney Harbour oil spill was the result of a

ship refueling in the harbor.
tanker pumping oil into the sea.
the collision between two oil tankers.
deliberate act of sabotage.

Answer: B. tanker pumping oil into the sea.
Supporting sentence: The recent spillage of crude oil from an oil tanker accidentally discharging its cargo straight into Sydney Harbour
Keywords: recent spillage, crude oil, oil tanker, discharging
Keyword Location: Paragraph B
Explanation: The most recent event occurred when crude oil spilled, leaving all people furious and interested about the cause of such a catastrophe. The disasters whose primary cause was pollution are discussed in paragraph B. The event occurred in Sydney Harbour, and the cause of the disaster was an oil leak from a ship.

In the 3rd paragraph the writer suggests that

people should avoid working in cities.
Americans spend too little time outdoors.
hazardous gases are concentrated in industrial suburbs.
there are several ways to avoid city pollution.

Answer: D. there are several ways to avoid city pollution.
Supporting sentence: Avoiding pollution can be a fulltime job. Try not to inhale traffic fumes; keep away from chemical plants and building-sites; wear a mask when cycling. It is enough to make you want to stay at home.
Keywords: City pollution, citizens act sensibly
Keyword Location: Paragraph C
Explanation: According to the author, the keyword selection approaches explain how people might prevent contamination. City pollution may be prevented if individuals act responsibly. Their concern for environmental contamination has the potential to minimise pollution and rescue the ecosystem. However, in today's culture, this concern is absent.

The Corsi research team hypothesized that

toxic chemicals can pass from air to water.
pollution is caused by dishwashers and baths.
city water contains insufficient chlorine.
household appliances are poorly designed.

Answer: B. pollution is caused by dishwashers and baths.
Supporting sentence: The researchers found that baths, showers, dishwashers, and washing machines can all be significant sources of indoor pollution because they extract trace amounts of chemicals from the water
Keywords: baths, showers, dishwashers, washing machines, significant sources of indoor pollution, amounts of chemicals
Keyword Location: Paragraph D
Explanation: The study discovered how dishwashers and bath washes contribute to pollution. Though these things appear to be necessary for household care and cleaning, they cause significant environmental damage. Corsi's study demonstrated that dishwashers can contain dangerous substances that can affect the environment.

As a result of their experiments, Dr Corsi’s team found that

dishwashers are very efficient machines.
tap water is as polluted as bottled water.
indoor pollution rivals outdoor pollution.
gas masks are a useful protective device.

Answer: C. Indoor pollution rivals outdoor pollution.
Supporting sentence: According to Dr. Corsi, the disproportionate effort is wasted campaigning against certain forms of outdoor pollution, when there is as much or more cause for concern indoors, right under people’s noses.
Keywords: forms of outdoor pollution, concern, indoor
Keyword Location: Paragraph H
Explanation: Dr. Corsi believes that interior pollution should be prioritised above outdoor pollution. At the moment, significant effort is being made to eliminate outdoor pollution. This happens every year, and occasionally it yields productive consequences. However, no such attempt has been made to minimise indoor pollution. But the truth is that there is a good likelihood that these efforts will bear fruit. That is why the experts are focusing more on minimising indoor pollution.

Regarding the dangers of pollution, the writer believes that

there is a need for rational discussion.
indoor pollution is a recent phenomenon.
people should worry most about their work environment.
industrial pollution causes specific diseases.

Answer: A. there is a need for rational discussion.
Supporting sentence: But before worrying about the problems caused by large-scale industry, it makes sense to consider the small-scale pollution at home and welcome international debate about this.
Keywords: international debate, small-scale pollution
Keyword Location: Paragraph J
Explanation: The author has mentioned how the issue of pollution should be addressed. Without a doubt, pollution is bad, and scholars have varied ideas on how to eliminate pollution. The pace of pollution must be reduced, but the precise method must be discussed more because this is a contentious issue.

Questions 7-13

Reading Passage describes several cause and effect relationships.

Match each Cause (Questions 7-13) in List A with its Effect (A-J) in List B.

Write the appropriate letters (A-J) in boxes 7-13 on your answer sheet.

LIST A

Industrialized nations use a lot of energy.
Oil spills into the sea.
The researchers publish their findings.
Water is brought to a high temperature.
People fear pollutants in tap water.
Air conditioning systems are inadequate.
Toxic chemicals are abundant in new cars.

LIST B

The focus of pollution moves to the home.
The levels of carbon monoxide rise.
The world’s natural resources are unequally shared.
People demand an explanation.
Environmentalists look elsewhere for an explanation.
Chemicals are effectively stripped from the water.
A clean odor is produced.
Sales of bottled water increase.
The levels of carbon dioxide rise.
The chlorine content of drinking water increased.

Industrialized nations use a lot of energy.

Answer: C. The world’s natural resources are unequally shared.
Supporting sentence: Such pollution is generally the result of poor government planning in many developing nations or the short-sighted, selfish policies of the already industrialized countries
Keywords: industrialized countries, world’s population, natural resources
Keyword Location: Paragraph A
Explanation: Because developed nations consume a lot of energy, the world's natural resources are unequally distributed. The rationale for unequal distribution of environmental resources is that a few countries have greater access to natural resources. On the other hand, some countries do not have easy access to natural resources.

Oil spills into the sea.

Answer: D. People demand an explanation.
Supporting sentence: The recent spillage of crude oil from an oil tanker accidentally discharging its cargo straight into Sydney Harbour not only caused serious damage to the harbour foreshores
Keywords: angry residents, how such a disaster could have been allowed to happen
Keyword Location: Paragraph B
Explanation: This occurred in Sydney Harbour, and citizens were outraged and sought an explanation. The oil leak disaster naturally posed a concern to the citizens of the area. They demanded an explanation. People were curious as to how such an incidence occurred and how the losses would be paid.

The researchers publish their findings.

Answer: A. The focus of pollution moves to the home.
Supporting sentence: The latest study, conducted by two environmental engineers, Richard Corsi and Cynthia Howard-Reed, of the University of Texas in Austin
Keywords: indoor pollution, worse, the latest study
Keyword Location: Paragraph D
Explanation: The experts have recommended individuals to prioritise interior pollution over outside pollution since it is the first step toward cleaning and preventing pollution. Researchers are more worried about indoor pollution and wish to drastically minimise it. Household objects, too, inflict significant environmental damage, and their proper usage can help save the environment.

Water is brought to a high temperature.

Answer: F. Chemicals are effectively stripped from the water.
Supporting sentence: Dishwashers were found to be particularly effective: the high-temperature spray, splashing against the crockery and cutlery, results in a nasty plume of toxic chemicals that escapes when the door is opened at the end of the cycle.
Keywords: Dishwashers, toxic chemicals, high-temperature spray, nasty plume
Keyword Location: Paragraph F
Explanation: Dishwashers, as previously stated in the keyword selection, are a major cause of pollution. Dishwashers, despite their claims to be chemical-free, contain a plethora of hazardous substances. When these chemicals mingle with water bodies, they damage the water. Furthermore, water from natural resources is occasionally eaten as drinking water, and people become ill as a result of this contaminated water.

People fear pollutants in tap water.

Answer: H. Sales of bottled water increase.
Supporting sentence: This is significant because many people are so concerned about water-borne pollutants that they drink only bottled water, worldwide sales of which are forecast to reach $72 billion by next year.
Keywords: bottled water, sale of bottled water, water-borne pollutants
Keyword Location: Paragraph G
Explanation: Toxic substances are present in tap water, which has led to an increase in the use of bottled water. People are more likely to use bottled water since water from environmental assets is seen to be polluted. As a result, bottled water sales surged. This is an obvious cause and effect relationship: unless natural water is safe to drink, the sale of bottled will not rise..

Air conditioning systems are inadequate.

Answer: I. The levels of carbon dioxide rise.
Supporting sentence: Using gas cookers or burning candles, for example, both result in indoor levels of carbon monoxide and particulate matter that are just as high as those to be found outside, amid heavy traffic.
Keywords: ventilation systems, indoor levels of carbon monoxide
Keyword Location: Paragraph I
Explanation: The keyword choice is correct since the ventilation systems included carbon dioxide. These air conditioners really raise the temperature and damage the environment. The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is quite dangerous. It not only pollutes the air, but it also raises the global temperature. As a result, the globe warms, hastening the rate of global warming.

Toxic chemicals are abundant in new cars.

Answer: G. A clean odor is produced.
Supporting sentence: ‘New car smell’ is the result of high levels of toxic chemicals, not cleanliness.
Keywords: New car smell, toxic chemicals
Keyword Location: Paragraph I
Explanation: The automobiles contain harmful compounds, which accounts for the clean odour of such vehicles. In fact, as technology advances, the rate of pollution in the environment has grown. We require that everything in our house, car, and surroundings be clean without any natural effort. This requires a significant quantity of energy and natural resources.

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