Environmental health: particulate matter: practice question

A PSM question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

Try it

PSM · Environmental health: particulate matter

Sample item

Which air pollutant is most closely linked with penetration into the alveoli and systemic cardiovascular and respiratory effects?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. PM2.5

Fine particulate matter with diameter below 2.5 micrometres reaches the alveoli and enters the circulation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Coarse particles deposit mostly in the upper airways.

Option by option

  • A. Carbon dioxide

    Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas rather than a toxic particulate.

  • B. PM2.5 (correct)

    Correct. PM2.5 penetrates deeply.

  • C. PM10 coarse dust

    Coarse PM10 mostly deposits in the upper airways.

  • D. Ozone in the stratosphere

    Stratospheric ozone is protective.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More PSM questions

Questions about this PSM question

What is the answer to this PSM question?

The best answer is B, PM2.5. Fine particulate matter with diameter below 2.

Why is "Carbon dioxide" not the answer?

Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas rather than a toxic particulate.

Why is "PM10 coarse dust" not the answer?

Coarse PM10 mostly deposits in the upper airways.

Why is "Ozone in the stratosphere" not the answer?

Stratospheric ozone is protective.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Environmental health: particulate matter in PSM. 5 micrometres reaches the alveoli and enters the circulation, causing respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Coarse particles deposit mostly in the upper airways.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Environmental health: particulate matter?

Practise biostatistics with small calculations until sensitivity, predictive values and risk measures are automatic. Then use the flashcards and the other PSM questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.