Which of the following pollutants is commonly associated with respiratory issues related to air pollution?

Respiratory issues related to air pollution are commonly linked to several pollutants, including ozone, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide, which makes the answer that includes all of these a well-founded choice.

Ozone, specifically at ground level, can cause inflammation and irritation of the airways, leading to difficulties in breathing and exacerbating conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Particulate matter, particularly fine particles (PM2.5), can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing a range of health problems, including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Studies have shown a significant correlation between high levels of particulate matter and increased hospital admissions for respiratory conditions.

Sulfur dioxide, on the other hand, is a gas that can irritate the respiratory tract and exacerbate asthma and other lung conditions. It can also contribute to the formation of fine particulate matter in the atmosphere.

Since each of these pollutants has well-documented impacts on respiratory health, the inclusion of all of them as contributing factors to respiratory issues appropriately reflects the complexity of air pollution and its effects on human health.