Final answer:
The statement is true; the Romans and other ancient societies were aware of air pollution and built infrastructure to combat environmental issues related to air quality. Industrialization later exacerbated these pollution problems with the burning of coal and other fossil fuels.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that problems with air pollution occurred as far back in time as the Roman period, 2000 years ago, is true. Historical records, including the sanitation efforts of ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans, suggest that these societies were aware of and took steps to manage air quality. For example, the Romans built extensive aqueducts for fresh water and sewers like the Cloaca Maxima to manage waste and waterborne illnesses, which indicates an understanding of the importance of managing environmental factors affecting health.
Furthermore, issues with air pollution intensified during the industrial revolutions, where burning of fossil fuels, like coal, resulted in significant air quality problems. Cities like London and Osaka experienced soot and smoke that affected everything from sunsets to public health...