Question

96. Excessive release of the pollutant carbon monoxide (CO) into the air may produce a condition in which oxygen supply in the human body decreases. What causes this condition? [2010]

• A. a) When inhaled into the human body CO is converted into CO2
• B. b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for hemoglobin as compared to oxygen
• C. c) The inhaled CO destroys the chemical structure of hemoglobin
• D. d) The inhaled CO adversely affects the respiratory centre in the brain

Answer 1

The correct option is B

b) The inhaled CO has much higher affinity for hemoglobin as compared to oxygen

Ans:b

Carbon Monoxide pollution occurs primarily from emissions produced by fossil fuel powered engines. The incomplete reaction of air with fuel produces the colorless, odourless and highly toxic gas. The main issue with Carbon Monoxide is its health effects. It is capable of binding to the chemicals in our blood, called haemoglobin. It does so far more effectively than oxygen and also stays bound to the hemoglobin for far longer than oxygen does. The effect is that the blood is starved of oxygen, which then affects the rest of the body.