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Environmental pollution (urban air): Which metal is a major pollutant in the air of large cities? Consider historical vehicular emissions and legacy contamination from fuels and industry. Choose the correct metal.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Lead

Explanation:

Given data

  • Context: Big-city air quality, traffic-related emissions.


Concept/Approach
For decades, lead was emitted from leaded gasoline (tetraethyl lead). Though phased out in many countries, urban dust/soil often retains legacy lead; industrial sources also contribute.


Reasoning
Leaded petrol → exhaust aerosols with Pb compounds → ambient air/dust contamination.


Common pitfalls
Chromium and cadmium are industrial toxins but less ubiquitous in traffic-related ambient air than historical lead.


Final Answer
Lead

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