Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Reducing air pollution in the Brazilian industrial city of Cubatao:

1. improved the health of pregnant women but did not affect infant death rates.

2. caused birth defects in which the brain failed to develop.

3. markedly reduced the death rate of infants.

4. did not affect the death rate of infants.

The correct answer is: markedly reduced the death rate of infants.

The choice indicating that reducing air pollution in Cubatao markedly reduced the death rate of infants is substantiated by evidence demonstrating that cleaner air directly contributes to better overall health outcomes for vulnerable populations, particularly infants. Research has consistently shown that high levels of air pollution can lead to respiratory issues, low birth weight, and other health complications that often result in higher infant mortality rates. Therefore, when air quality improves through effective pollution control measures, it typically leads to a significant decrease in health risks associated with pollution exposure, resulting in lower infant death rates. In this context, the notable link between environmental quality and public health, especially affecting the infant population, highlights how urban interventions can have profound health benefits. In contrast, while other options may point to various health issues related to air quality, none capture the positive impact on infant death rates that is observed when air pollution is reduced. The collective research points to a clear correlation between improved environmental conditions and enhanced health outcomes, particularly for those most at risk, such as infants.