Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The respiratory system is responsible for breathing, which involves taking in air from the environment. The question asks for the type of pollution that directly affects this system.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The respiratory system includes the lungs, airways, and blood vessels. Its primary function is to exchange gases by inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
Air pollution consists of harmful substances like particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), toxic gases (SO\(_2\), NO\(_x\), CO), and allergens suspended in the air. When this polluted air is inhaled, these substances directly enter the lungs and airways, causing irritation, inflammation, and various respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and lung cancer.
The other forms of pollution do not directly impact the respiratory system:
Noise pollution affects the auditory system (hearing).
Land pollution contaminates soil.
Water pollution affects the body when contaminated water is consumed, primarily impacting the digestive system.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Diseases of the respiratory system are caused by inhaling harmful substances, which is a direct result of air pollution.