Get the most accurate GSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution here. Updated for the 2026-27 academic session, these solutions are based on the latest GSEB textbooks for Class 8 Social Science. Our expert-created answers for Class 8 Social Science are available for free download in PDF format.
Detailed Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution GSEB Solutions for Class 8 Social Science
For Class 8 students, solving GSEB textbook questions is the most effective way to build a strong conceptual foundation. Our Class 8 Social Science solutions follow a detailed, step-by-step approach to ensure you understand the logic behind every answer. Practicing these Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution solutions will improve your exam performance.
Class 8 Social Science Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution GSEB Solutions PDF
1. Answer the following questions
Question 1. What do you understand by pollution?
Answer: The presence of various substances or elements in the atmosphere or environment that are harmful or toxic to life is known as pollution. Dangerous elements like smoke, dust, toxic gases, etc., mix with essential elements for life, such as air, water, and land, making them unsafe. This occurrence is called 'pollution'. There are many negative impacts of pollution on the environment and human life.
In simple words: Pollution means when harmful things like smoke, dust, or bad gases get into the air, water, or land. These bad things make the environment unsafe and hurt living beings.
Exam Tip: Define pollution clearly, list examples of pollutants, and briefly mention its impact on the environment and human life.
Question 2. How does medical waste spread pollution?
Answer: Medical waste consists of equipment and goods used to treat patients in hospitals and maternity homes. This waste contains various disease-causing germs from patients' blood, excreta, vomit, saliva, phlegm, and so on. When these supplies are disposed of in open dust bins without making them germ-free, they contaminate water and air and spread illnesses.
In simple words: Medical waste has germs from sick people. If it's thrown away without cleaning it first, these germs spread into the water and air, making people sick.
Exam Tip: Explain what medical waste is and how its improper disposal leads to the spread of germs and contamination of essential resources.
Question 3. Can pollution be caused by electronic equipments? How?
Answer: Yes, many electronic devices create noise pollution. Loudspeakers, radios, TVs, and other electronic musical instruments, when played at a high volume, generate noise pollution. Noise pollution can cause deafness. Additionally, it has a negative impact on mental health.
In simple words: Yes, electronic things cause noise pollution. When loudspeakers, radios, or TVs are played too loud, they make a lot of noise. This loud noise can harm hearing and affect our minds.
Exam Tip: Identify noise pollution as the type caused by electronic equipment and describe its specific health impacts like deafness and mental health issues.
Question 4. What kind of environment do you like? Why?
Answer: I prefer a pure and refreshing environment that has enough life-supporting gas, Oxygen. Other gases, dust particles, and water vapor should also be present in their natural amounts. There should be no toxic gases. The air should smell nice with the scent of the earth and sweet-smelling flowers. The breeze should be pleasant. If I live in such an environment, my body and mind will stay healthy, allowing me to accomplish many tasks and make progress in life.
In simple words: I like a clean, fresh environment with plenty of oxygen and no harmful gases or too much dust. It should smell good and have a nice breeze. This kind of environment keeps me healthy and helps me do well in life.
Exam Tip: Describe key characteristics of a preferred environment (e.g., pure air, natural elements, lack of toxins) and explain how these aspects contribute to well-being and productivity.
2. How is your life connected with the following? Write about it.
Question 1. Farms
Answer: Farms grow various types of crops. We use these crops as food and for agro-based industries. Farms also produce nutritious grass (fodder) for domestic animals.
In simple words: Farms grow our food and supplies for factories. They also grow grass for animals.
Exam Tip: When discussing connection to farms, focus on their role in food production, raw materials for industries, and feed for livestock.
Question 2. School
Answer: For me, my school is like a temple where I learn good manners and get an education. Here, I learn many subjects and also how to live a better life. I grow because of the numerous activities held in school. Important qualities like discipline, self-reliance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and brotherhood are taught to me.
In simple words: School is like a temple where I learn good behavior and get educated. It helps me learn many subjects and important life skills like discipline, teamwork, and brotherhood.
Exam Tip: Emphasize the school's role in imparting academic knowledge, life skills, and character development, highlighting key values learned.
Question 3. State
Answer: I am growing up in the state of Gujarat. Here, I gain my education through English and Hindi, our national language. I also learn the local language, Gujarati. It's simple to coordinate and work in this state because most businesses are done in the local language, or in Hindi or English, which are the most commonly used languages. This builds a close relationship among the various people living in the state. The state government maintains law and order, allowing people to conduct their daily activities peacefully and to improve their lives.
In simple words: I live in Gujarat. I get an education in English and Hindi, and I also learn Gujarati. It's easy to work here because of these common languages, which helps people connect. The government keeps peace, letting people live and grow well.
Exam Tip: Focus on the state's contribution to education (languages), ease of business, fostering unity, and its role in maintaining law and order for overall progress.
Question 4. Country
Answer: I feel proud to be a citizen of India, a country with rich traditions and culture. Our nation has grown strong thanks to cooperation and unity among all states. India is making fast progress in information and technology and has become a famous hub for this industry. The country has given us many rights. Every citizen has the chance to live and grow anywhere in the country. There is no unfair treatment based on caste, language, religion, state, etc., in our country. Our nation protects us from enemies and terrorists.
In simple words: I am proud to be an Indian. Our country is rich in culture and strong because of unity. We are doing well in technology. India gives us rights, treats everyone fairly, and protects us from danger.
Exam Tip: Highlight aspects like cultural heritage, national unity, technological advancement, guaranteed rights for citizens, and national security in connection to the country.
3. Match the pairs correctly :
| Section 'A' | Section 'B' |
|---|---|
| (1) Water in drainage | (1) Land pollution |
| (2) Asthma | (2) Noise pollution |
| (3) Chemical fertilizers, pesticides | (3) Air pollution |
| (4) Water pollution | (4) Sound of 80 decibels |
Answer:
(1-4),
(2-3),
(3-1),
(4-2).
In simple words: Match the items from Section 'A' to their correct related items in Section 'B' as shown.
Exam Tip: Carefully read each item in both sections and identify the correct connection, ensuring no overlaps or incorrect pairings.
Question 4. Wrlte a note: How pollution (the word 'population' in the textbook is obviously wrong) is spread in your village/ city.
Answer: In villages and cities, pollution spreads through various means. Vehicle exhausts release harmful gases like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides into the air. Industrial waste often contaminates water bodies and soil if not treated properly. Improper disposal of domestic garbage and sewage also leads to land and water pollution. Loud noises from traffic, construction, and events contribute to noise pollution. The cutting down of trees reduces the natural filtration of air, further worsening the problem.
In simple words: In towns, pollution happens from car fumes, factory waste, and trash not thrown away correctly. Loud noises also add to it, and cutting trees makes air pollution worse.
Exam Tip: When writing a note on pollution spread, cover common sources like vehicles, industries, waste disposal, and noise, along with environmental factors like deforestation.
Activities
1. Visit places you know are responsible for pollution. Write a report on your observations.
2. Give suggestions about what steps should be taken at school level for preservation of water.
3. Have a group discussion on how air is being polluted.
4. Organise an elocution competition about what steps you will take to preserve and protect soil.
GSEB Class 8 Social Science Environmental Pollution Intext Questions and Answers
Think Questions And Answers
Question 1. What could be done to conserve water in school/village?
Answer: Steps for conserving water in school or village:
1. Do not throw any type of waste into the water resources in the village.
2. Do not wash dirty clothes or utensils here. Do not bathe cattle here.
3. Do not let water from gutters or industries drain into these resources.
4. Take care that water from these resources is not wasted.
5. Make arrangements to ensure that these water resources have sufficient water at all times.
6. Fix taps at home so that water from these resources can easily be obtained for household uses. In school, make sure all the taps are well-maintained and do not leak. Check the water tank for cleanliness. Do not let students leave the taps open. Students should not be allowed to play with water and thus waste it.
In simple words: To save water, do not throw trash into water sources or wash dirty things there. Make sure drains from homes or factories do not go into natural water. Fix leaky taps and teach everyone not to waste water. Keep water tanks clean.
Exam Tip: When listing water conservation steps, include preventing contamination, responsible usage, maintaining infrastructure, and educating the community.
Question 2. Does any of your activity contribute in spreading air pollution?
Answer: We do not do anything that might pollute the air. Since LPG is used as a fuel at our place, there is no smoke produced in the kitchen. We also use CNG in vehicles, so we do not add to air pollution. We do not spread air pollution by spitting or cleaning our noses in public places. If we need to sneeze or cough, we cover our mouths with a handkerchief so that the air does not get polluted.
In simple words: We try not to pollute the air. We use clean fuels like LPG for cooking and CNG for vehicles, which make no smoke. We also cover our mouths when we cough or sneeze to keep the air clean.
Exam Tip: When describing personal contributions to air pollution, focus on actions related to fuel use, vehicle choices, and public hygiene practices.
Question 3. (1) Pollution is a chain. What will be your first step to break it? For e.g., Not to drink tea in a plastic cup or not to take plastic carry bags to keep edible items, etc.
Answer: Steps to break the pollution chain:
Do not throw any kind of waste into water resources or on the ground. Do not pluck flowers, leaves, or branches of trees and plants. Do not pull out grass from lawns grown in gardens. Do not play radios, TVs, loudspeakers, or any musical instruments at a loud volume. Do not burst crackers, etc.
In simple words: To stop pollution, never throw trash into water or on the ground. Do not harm plants or grass. Keep music and TV volume low, and avoid bursting firecrackers.
Exam Tip: When discussing breaking the pollution chain, focus on reducing waste, preserving nature, controlling noise, and avoiding harmful practices like bursting crackers.
Question 2. You must have seen many people picking up plastic. What do you think of this work?
Answer: Poor people who pick up plastic bags from the ground or from trash soil their hands, legs, and bodies. Therefore, I find this work to be of a low quality, and I do not like it at all. However, with the awareness about pollution that has now been created in my society, I realize that it is a very important work, and it not only reduces pollution but also makes the environment healthier.
In simple words: I used to think picking up plastic was a dirty job. But now I understand it's really important because it cleans up pollution and makes the environment better for everyone.
Exam Tip: Acknowledge the physical aspect of the work while highlighting its critical environmental benefit and the shift in societal perception due to increased awareness.
Question 4. What kind of sound do you like? Why?
Answer: I enjoy soft and melodic sounds. I like music that is harmonious and has a pleasant beat. I do not prefer harsh or loud sounds or chaotic music. I prefer sounds of 60 decibels, which one can hear quite naturally in everyday conversations.
In simple words: I like gentle and tuneful sounds, like nice music. I don't like loud or messy sounds. I prefer sounds around 60 decibels, which is like normal talking.
Exam Tip: Describe preferences for specific sound characteristics (soft, melodious, harmonious) and contrast them with undesirable ones (harsh, loud, chaotic), explaining the reasons for your choice.
GSEB Class 8 Social Science Environmental Pollution Additional Important Questions and Answers
Choose the correct alternative from those given below each question:
Question 1. Which of the following diseases spreads due to water pollution?
(a) Cholera
(b) Pneumonia
(c) Cold
(d) Cough
Answer: (a) Cholera
In simple words: Cholera is a sickness that spreads when water is dirty or polluted.
Exam Tip: Remember common waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery for MCQ questions on water pollution.
Question 2. The problem of global warming has arisen due to the increase in which gas?
(a) Nitrogen
(b) Hydrogen
(c) Carbon dioxide
(d) Oxygen
Answer: (c) Carbon dioxide
In simple words: Global warming happens because there's too much carbon dioxide gas in the air.
Exam Tip: Carbon dioxide is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, so remember its direct link.
Question 3. Which gas has increased in the atmosphere due to trees becoming less?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Nitrogen
(c) Nitrous oxide
(d) Carbon dioxide
Answer: (d) Carbon dioxide
In simple words: When fewer trees are present, carbon dioxide gas in the air increases because trees absorb it.
Exam Tip: Recall that trees absorb carbon dioxide, so their reduction directly leads to an increase in this gas in the atmosphere.
Question 4. Due to which gas is acid rain caused?
(a) Oxygen
(b) Poisonous
(c) Ozone
(d) Nitrogen
Answer: (b) Poisonous
In simple words: Acid rain happens because of toxic gases released into the air.
Exam Tip: Acid rain is primarily caused by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are often referred to as poisonous or harmful gases in this context.
Question 5. Which vehicle fuel is pollution-free?
(a) Kerosene
(b) CNG
(c) Diesel
(d) Petrol
Answer: (b) CNG
In simple words: CNG, which is compressed natural gas, is a clean fuel for vehicles that causes very little pollution.
Exam Tip: Identify CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) as a cleaner alternative fuel compared to petrol, diesel, or kerosene, known for its lower emissions.
Question 6. Which of the following diseases is caused by air pollution?
(a) Diarrhoea - vomiting
(b) Jaundice
(c) Asthma
(d) Cancer
Answer: (c) Asthma
In simple words: Air pollution can cause breathing problems like asthma.
Exam Tip: Associate asthma and other respiratory issues directly with air pollution for MCQ answers.
Question 7. Which pollution takes priority over other man-made problems?
(a) Air
(b) Water
(c) Noise
(d) Land
Answer: (b) Water
In simple words: Water pollution is a very serious human-made problem because clean water is crucial for life.
Exam Tip: Recognize that water pollution is often considered a top priority due to its direct impact on health and survival, making clean water a fundamental need.
State whether the following statements are true or false:
Question 1. Water from gutters should be used to grow vegetables, fodder, etc.
Answer: False
In simple words: It is not right to use dirty water from gutters to grow food or animal feed.
Exam Tip: Contaminated water from gutters is unsafe for irrigation due to pathogens and pollutants, making food grown with it unhealthy.
Question 2. Jaundice is caused by air pollution.
Answer: False
In simple words: Jaundice is not caused by dirty air; it is usually caused by problems with the liver or by dirty water and food.
Exam Tip: Jaundice is typically a waterborne or hygiene-related disease, not directly linked to air pollution.
Question 3. The problem of global warming has become intense because the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has increased.
Answer: True
In simple words: Yes, global warming has gotten worse because there is more carbon dioxide in the air.
Exam Tip: Connect the increase in atmospheric CO2 directly to the intensifying problem of global warming due to the greenhouse effect.
Question 4. To preserve fertility of soil, chemical fertilizers should be used in great quantities.
Answer: False
In simple words: Using too many chemical fertilizers can harm the soil's fertility, not keep it healthy.
Exam Tip: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers depletes soil fertility over time and can cause other environmental issues, so moderate use or organic alternatives are preferred.
Question 5. Crackers should be burst on a large scale while celebrating Diwali.
Answer: False
In simple words: Setting off many firecrackers during Diwali causes a lot of air and noise pollution, which is bad for health and the environment.
Exam Tip: Large-scale bursting of crackers causes significant air and noise pollution, which is detrimental to health and the environment.
Question 6. To minimize the adverse effects of noise pollution bushes with thick foliage should be grown on both sides of roads.
Answer: True
In simple words: Planting thick bushes along roads helps to reduce the bad effects of loud noise from traffic.
Exam Tip: Trees and dense foliage act as natural sound barriers, effectively reducing noise pollution, especially along busy roads.
Answer the following questions in one or two sentences:
Question 1. What natural resources are essential for the sustenance of our life?
Answer: Air, water, land, and vegetation are all vital natural resources required for sustaining our life.
In simple words: Air, water, land, and plants are all very important natural things we need to live.
Exam Tip: List the primary natural resources (air, water, land, vegetation) that are fundamental for human survival.
Question 2. Which water sources are polluted by water from gutters?
Answer: Water from gutters pollutes water sources like rivers, lakes, ponds, and even underground water.
In simple words: Gutter water makes rivers, lakes, ponds, and underground water dirty.
Exam Tip: Identify key surface and subsurface water bodies that are commonly contaminated by gutter runoff.
Question 3. Which diseases caused by water pollution?
Answer: Water pollution causes many dangerous diseases such as cholera, jaundice, typhoid, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In simple words: Dirty water causes diseases like cholera, jaundice, typhoid, and stomach problems.
Exam Tip: Name a few common waterborne diseases that are direct results of consuming or coming into contact with polluted water.
Question 4. Which gases do vehicles that run on petrol and diesel release into air and pollute it?
Answer: Vehicles running on petrol and diesel release harmful gases like smoke, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, benzopyrene, and carbon dioxide into the air, causing pollution.
In simple words: Petrol and diesel cars release bad gases like smoke, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide, which make the air dirty.
Exam Tip: List the primary harmful gases emitted by vehicles (e.g., carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter) when asked about air pollution from fuel combustion.
Question 5. Why has air pollution increased due to decreasing trees and vegetation?
Answer: Trees and plants absorb harmful CO2 gas from the atmosphere and release helpful O2 gas. When trees are cut, the proportion of CO2 increases in the atmosphere, thereby increasing air pollution. Dust particles also mix with air due to decreasing tree and forest cover, leading to an increase in air pollution.
In simple words: Trees take in bad air (carbon dioxide) and give out good air (oxygen). When we cut down trees, there's more bad air and less good air. Also, less tree cover means more dust gets into the air, making it dirty.
Exam Tip: Explain the role of trees in carbon dioxide absorption and oxygen release, and how deforestation disrupts this balance, leading to increased air pollution and dust.
Question 6. Which intense problem has occurred due to the high levels of CO2 in air?
Answer: The high levels of CO2 in the air have led to the severe problem of 'Global warming'.
In simple words: Too much carbon dioxide in the air has caused the big problem called 'Global warming'.
Exam Tip: Directly link high CO2 levels in the atmosphere to global warming, as it's a key greenhouse gas.
Question 7. Which diseases are caused due to air pollution?
Answer: Air pollution causes various health problems like lung diseases, asthma, breathlessness, cough, and cold.
In simple words: Dirty air makes people sick with problems like lung diseases, asthma, coughing, and colds.
Exam Tip: List common respiratory and general health issues (e.g., lung diseases, asthma, cough) that are directly attributable to air pollution.
Question 8. Which diseases are caused due to dust particles floating in air?
Answer: Dust particles floating in the air cause various issues such as cough, cold, allergies, and eye diseases.
In simple words: Dust in the air can cause coughs, colds, allergies, and eye problems.
Exam Tip: Remember common health responses to airborne particulate matter, including respiratory irritations and eye conditions.
Question 9. Which gases mix with rain drops to cause acid rains?
Answer: Various toxic gases mix with rain drops and cause acid rain.
In simple words: Harmful gases in the air mix with rain to create acid rain.
Exam Tip: While specifying "poisonous gases" is correct, for a more complete answer, mention sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides as the primary culprits behind acid rain.
Question 10. In what way does urban waste pollute land?
Answer: Urban waste consists of items like paper, cartons, plastic bags, and other chemical products. This waste is thrown onto open ground, mixing with good soil and resulting in land pollution.
In simple words: City trash, like paper, plastic, and chemicals, gets thrown on the ground. This mixes with the soil, making the land dirty and polluted.
Exam Tip: Focus on the composition of urban waste (e.g., plastics, chemicals) and how its indiscriminate disposal contaminates soil and causes land pollution.
Question 11. Which diseases are caused due to vegetables grown using water from gutters?
Answer: Vegetables grown using water from gutters can cause several ailments, including tuberculosis and bone diseases.
In simple words: Eating vegetables grown with dirty gutter water can cause illnesses like tuberculosis and bone problems.
Exam Tip: Highlight the severe health risks, such as tuberculosis and bone diseases, associated with consuming produce irrigated with contaminated water.
Question 12. Why should chemical fertilizers and insecticides be used most judiciously?
Answer: Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides for agricultural purposes actually pollutes the soil, which in turn destroys the organisms that make land fertile. Due to the destruction of these organisms, the land becomes unproductive (barren). This is why chemical fertilizers and insecticides should be used very carefully.
In simple words: Using too many chemical fertilizers and insecticides on farms pollutes the soil and kills helpful soil creatures, making the land barren. That's why we should use them wisely.
Exam Tip: Explain that excessive use of these chemicals harms soil fertility by destroying beneficial microorganisms, leading to barren land, thus advocating for judicious use.
Question 13. Which activities conducted during festivals and victory celebrations cause noise pollution?
Answer: During festivals and victory celebrations, significant noise pollution is caused by the use of loudspeakers, DJ bands, and other musical instruments like drums. Exploding crackers also create noise pollution.
In simple words: Loudspeakers, DJ music, drums, and firecrackers used during festivals and parties make a lot of noise, causing noise pollution.
Exam Tip: List specific noise-generating activities commonly associated with celebrations, such as loud music, DJ systems, and fireworks.
Question 14. What are the effects of noise pollution on our body?
Answer: Noise pollution can lead to deafness. Furthermore, it has a negative impact on mental health. It also makes us irritable.
In simple words: Loud noise can make us deaf, affect our mental health, and make us feel annoyed.
Exam Tip: Describe the key physiological (deafness) and psychological (mental health, irritability) effects of prolonged exposure to noise pollution.
Question 15. What sources has Gandhiji called as 'belonging to the community'?
Answer: Mahatma Gandhi stated that natural sources like water, forest, and land belong to the community, and everyone has equal rights to them. He considered it morally wrong to treat them as a 'commodity for sale'.
In simple words: Gandhiji said that natural resources like water, forests, and land are for everyone in the community, and it's wrong to sell them or treat them like personal property.
Exam Tip: Focus on Gandhiji's philosophy of communal ownership of natural resources (water, forest, land) and his opposition to their commercialization.
Answer the following questions:
Question 1. How do chemical industries pollute water, air and land?
Answer:
1. Water becomes unclean or polluted during the manufacturing process. This chemical-laden water from industries is released into rivers, streams, or onto land. Such water contaminates river water, groundwater, and the land where it is discharged. Many aquatic animals are destroyed due to this polluted water.
2. Air is polluted by gases and smoke emitted by industries. Harmful gases mix with raindrops, causing acid rain, which is detrimental to vegetation and animals.
3. Water from industries and drains in urban areas often flows on the ground, thereby polluting it. Solid industrial waste further contributes to this.
In simple words: Chemical factories pollute water by releasing dirty water into rivers and land, killing water animals. They pollute air with smoke and gases that cause acid rain, hurting plants and animals. Also, their solid waste just adds to land pollution.
Exam Tip: For industrial pollution, categorize its effects on water, air, and land. For water, mention chemical discharge and impact on aquatic life. For air, discuss smoke, gases, and acid rain. For land, highlight solid waste and wastewater runoff.
Question 2. What type of control should there be over industries to prevent water pollution?
Answer:
1. The government should properly implement pollution control policies over industries by prohibiting them from discharging their dirty water into rivers, canals, lakes, seas, and land.
2. All industries should receive strict instructions to purify their polluted water before it is drained into seas, rivers, or canals.
In simple words: To stop water pollution from factories, the government needs to make strong rules. Factories must be told not to dump dirty water into rivers or land. They should also clean their wastewater before letting it go.
Exam Tip: Focus on government regulation and mandates for industrial waste treatment, specifically prohibiting direct discharge and enforcing pre-treatment of wastewater.
Question 3. What are the main causes of air pollution and what are its effects?
Answer: Air pollution is also a major global concern.
1. Air is polluted by gases and smoke emitted by industries and vehicles that run on fossil fuels like diesel, petrol, etc. These release smoke and harmful gases such as hydrocarbons, nitrous oxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, benzopyrene, and carbon dioxide. These harmful gases are constantly mixing with the air, thus increasing their proportion in the air.
2. Due to extensive deforestation and the depletion of forest cover, the proportion of dust particles and CO2 floating in the air has increased. This has led to the severe problem of global warming.
Effects of Air Pollution:
- Air pollution causes diseases of the throat and lungs, such as asthma, breathing problems, lung infections, etc.
- Dust particles floating in the air lead to illnesses like cough, cold, and allergies.
- Sometimes poisonous gases mix with raindrops and cause 'Acid rain', which is harmful to plants and animals.
- All these issues have led to the severe problem of global warming.
In simple words: Air pollution happens mostly from factory smoke and car fumes, which release many bad gases. Cutting down trees also adds more carbon dioxide and dust to the air, making global warming worse. This dirty air causes lung problems, coughs, colds, allergies, and acid rain, which hurts plants and animals.
Exam Tip: Detail the two primary causes (industrial/vehicular emissions and deforestation) and then list the range of effects, including respiratory diseases, allergies, acid rain, and global warming.
Question 4. What steps should be taken to prevent air pollution?
Answer: Remedies to prevent air pollution:
- Rules for industries and vehicles are necessary, and these must be strictly applied.
- Equipment that can filter smoke and toxic gases should be developed and installed in industries.
- Petrol and diesel should be used very carefully. Pollution-free fuels such as CNG or LPG used in vehicles will help greatly, and R.U.C. (Pollution Under Control) checks should be strictly enforced.
- Forests and vegetation cover should be increased.
In simple words: To stop air pollution, strict rules are needed for factories and cars. Factories should use filters, and cars should use clean fuels like CNG or LPG, with regular checks. Also, we must plant more trees.
Exam Tip: When suggesting prevention methods for air pollution, cover regulatory measures, technological solutions (filters, cleaner fuels), and environmental initiatives (forestation).
Question 5. What are the basic causes of land pollution and what are its effects?
Answer: Though land pollution is not easily visible, it is becoming increasingly clear in today's world.
1. Water from industries and drains in urban areas often flows onto the ground, polluting it. Solid industrial waste adds to this.
2. Non-degradable solid waste products like polythene (plastic) bags, other scrap, and chemicals dumped on land in urban areas also cause land pollution.
3. Extensive use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides to increase farm produce also contaminates soil.
4. Plastic bags and dirty industrial water are harmful to organisms that make land fertile. Due to the destruction of these organisms, the land becomes unproductive.
5. It is not advisable to establish industries on agricultural land. With the depletion of fertile land, crop production also decreases.
6. Fruits and vegetables grown on such polluted land with the help of polluted water cause many ailments, like tuberculosis and diseases of the bone.
In simple words: Land pollution comes from dirty water from factories and city drains flowing onto the ground, and from dumping plastic bags and chemicals. Too many farm chemicals also harm the soil. This pollution kills helpful soil creatures, making the land barren, reducing crop growth, and can make people sick if they eat food from polluted soil.
Exam Tip: Outline the main causes of land pollution, including industrial waste, non-biodegradable materials (plastics), and agricultural chemicals. Then, describe its effects on soil fertility, crop yield, and human health (diseases).
Question 6. What steps should be taken to prevent land pollution?
Answer: Remedies to prevent land pollution:
- The purity of the environment must be safeguarded.
- No industries should be set up on arable land.
- Traditional bio-fertilizer should be used instead of chemical fertilizers. Pesticides should be used minimally.
- Other important remedies include using non-conventional energy sources and introducing green technology, as well as recycling or reusing solid waste.
In simple words: To stop land pollution, we need to protect the environment's cleanliness. Don't build factories on good farming land. Use natural fertilizers and fewer pesticides. Also, use clean energy and recycle waste.
Exam Tip: Focus on strategies like environmental protection, avoiding industrial development on agricultural land, promoting organic farming, and adopting sustainable waste management (recycling, green technology).
Question 7. What are the main causes of Noise pollution and what are its effects?
Answer: Noise created by heavy machines making intense sound in industries, noise made by vehicles and their horns, loudspeakers, and musical instruments played at high volume causes noise pollution. DJ bands, loudspeakers for campaigning, and exploding crackers on a large scale also cause noise pollution. Effects of Noise Pollution: Noise pollution can lead to deafness. It has a negative effect on mental and emotional health as well. Extremely loud noise can be a cause of death in certain insects and organisms.
In simple words: Loud noise from factory machines, vehicles, horns, and loud music causes noise pollution. DJ parties and firecrackers also add to it. This noise can make people deaf, harm their mental health, and even kill some small animals.
Exam Tip: List common sources of noise pollution (industries, vehicles, loud music, crackers) and describe both human health impacts (deafness, mental health) and ecological effects (on insects/organisms).
Question 8. What steps should be taken to curb noise pollution?
Answer: To prevent noise pollution, loudspeakers, radios, TVs, and other musical instruments should be played at a low volume. Crackers should be avoided. Vehicles should be checked and serviced regularly, and parking facilities should be increased. Industries should be established away from settlements, and forestation should be done around factories. Vehicular sound should be minimized by growing trees on both sides of the main road.
In simple words: To reduce noise, keep music and TVs quiet, and don't use firecrackers. Regularly check car engines, and make more parking areas. Factories should be built far from homes. Plant trees along roads and near factories to help block sound.
Exam Tip: Suggest a multi-faceted approach to noise control, including volume regulation, avoiding fireworks, vehicle maintenance, urban planning (industry location, parking), and green barriers (forestation).
Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1. How does medical waste spread pollution?
Answer: The leftover equipment and items utilized to treat patients at hospitals and maternity homes are known as medical waste. Various disease-causing germs are present in patients' blood, waste products, vomit, saliva, and phlegm. When these items are discarded in open dustbins without being made germ-free, they contaminate water and air and spread illnesses.
In simple words: Medical waste, like used hospital equipment, contains germs from patients. If it's thrown out without being cleaned, it can make water and air dirty and spread sickness.
Exam Tip: When explaining how pollution spreads, mention the source, the type of pollutants, and the specific impact on the environment or health.
Question 2. Can pollution be caused by electronic equipments? How?
Answer: Yes, many electronic gadgets generate noise pollution. Loudspeakers, radios, televisions, and other electronic music instruments, when played loudly, produce noise pollution. This noise pollution can cause hearing loss. Furthermore, it also negatively impacts mental well-being.
In simple words: Yes, electronic devices cause noise pollution. Loudspeakers, radios, and TVs, when played too loud, create noise. This noise can make you deaf and also harm your mental health.
Exam Tip: For "how" questions, provide a clear cause-and-effect explanation, detailing the process by which the stated phenomenon occurs.
Question 3. What kind of environment do you like? Why?
Answer: I prefer a clean and refreshing environment that contains enough life-sustaining oxygen gas. Other gases, small dust particles, and water vapor should also be present in their normal amounts. There must be no toxic gases. The air ought to smell pleasant like the earth and sweet flowers. The wind should feel agreeable. If I reside in such surroundings, my body and mind will stay well, allowing me to achieve many goals and advance in my life.
In simple words: I like a clean, fresh place with lots of oxygen, no bad gases or too much dust. The air should smell nice and the breeze feel good. This kind of environment keeps me healthy, helping me to do things and grow.
Exam Tip: When describing preferences, always link them back to personal benefits or logical reasons, as asked by the "Why?" part of the question.
Question 4. Why is it necessary to restrict the use of plastic bags?
Answer: People discard polythene plastic bags after using them a single time. Plastic is non-biodegradable, meaning it does not break down in water or soil, and thus contaminates both water and land. Plastic bags placed in sewage gather in gutter systems and block the movement of wastewater. This causes dirty water to spill onto land, spreading contamination. When these gutters overflow during the rainy season, they cause waterlogging in many city areas, resulting in many waterborne illnesses. Homeless animals wandering the streets looking for food often find plastic bags filled with leftover food items. These hungry animals try to reach the food, and when unsuccessful, they consume the plastic bags with the food. These bags obstruct their intestines, making them sick, which occasionally causes their demise.
In simple words: Plastic bags are bad because they don't break down and pollute water and land. They block drains, causing dirty water to spread diseases, especially in cities when it rains. Also, animals eat them by mistake, which makes them sick and can even kill them.
Exam Tip: To answer "Why is it necessary to restrict...", focus on the negative consequences of not restricting the item, covering environmental, health, and wildlife impacts.
Free study material for Social Science
GSEB Solutions Class 8 Social Science Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution
Students can now access the GSEB Solutions for Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution prepared by teachers on our website. These solutions cover all questions in exercise in your Class 8 Social Science textbook. Each answer is updated based on the current academic session as per the latest GSEB syllabus.
Detailed Explanations for Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution
Our expert teachers have provided step-by-step explanations for all the difficult questions in the Class 8 Social Science chapter. Along with the final answers, we have also explained the concept behind it to help you build stronger understanding of each topic. This will be really helpful for Class 8 students who want to understand both theoretical and practical questions. By studying these GSEB Questions and Answers your basic concepts will improve a lot.
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Using our Social Science solutions regularly students will be able to improve their logical thinking and problem-solving speed. These Class 8 solutions are a guide for self-study and homework assistance. Along with the chapter-wise solutions, you should also refer to our Revision Notes and Sample Papers for Chapter 02 Environmental Pollution to get a complete preparation experience.
FAQs
The complete and updated GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Environmental Pollution is available for free on StudiesToday.com. These solutions for Class 8 Social Science are as per latest GSEB curriculum.
Yes, our experts have revised the GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Environmental Pollution as per 2026 exam pattern. All textbook exercises have been solved and have added explanation about how the Social Science concepts are applied in case-study and assertion-reasoning questions.
Toppers recommend using GSEB language because GSEB marking schemes are strictly based on textbook definitions. Our GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Environmental Pollution will help students to get full marks in the theory paper.
Yes, we provide bilingual support for Class 8 Social Science. You can access GSEB Class 8 Social Science Solutions Chapter 2 Environmental Pollution in both English and Hindi medium.
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