Occupational and Environmental Health: Recognizing and Preventing Disease and Injury - Multiple Choice Questions 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Infants and elderly people are at higher risk of excess deaths due to ambient air pollution because their respiratory systems are typically weaker and more susceptible to damage. Air pollution can have particularly harmful effects on these groups as their bodies are still developing (in the case of infants) and aging (in the case of elderly people). Athletes and outdoor workers, while they may be more exposed to air pollution due to their physical activity or job, are generally in good health and do not have weak respiratory systems. Middle-aged office workers and teenagers/young adults are also not considered at higher risk as they are typically in good health and their bodies are not as sensitive to air pollution. Therefore, infants and elderly people are the most vulnerable groups in terms of excess deaths due to ambient air pollution.