Question

Automobile exhaust gas that causes major respiratory problem is:

• A. CO
• B. CH₄
• C. NO₂
• D. Chlorine

Answer 1

The correct option is A

CO

The correct option is A

Explanation of the correct option:

1. Automobiles emit a potent mixture of exhaust gases like CO2, CO, SO2, NOX, etc.
2. The incomplete combustion of a fuel produces this highly toxic gas.
3. It has a high affinity to hemoglobin in red blood cells.
4. It replaces the oxygen in RBC and prevents oxygen from reaching our tissues or organs.

Explanation of the incorrect options:

Option B:

1. Methane is biogas emitted by natural sources like wetlands etc.
2. The limited inhalation of methane does not create hazards.
3. But a large quantity of methane in air displaces oxygen, which may result in suffocation.

Option C:

1. It is a potent greenhouse gas.
2. It is produced in the combustion of nitrogen compounds in the fuel or by a direct combination of oxygen and nitrogen in flames.
3. When NO2 reacts with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere, it creates acid rain.

Option D:

1. Chlorine gas may be released into the atmosphere by accidental leakage of industrial facilities, chlorine tank spills, etc.
2. Blurred vision, burning sensation in the nose, throat, and eyes, blisters, redness of the skin if it is exposed to chlorine.

Final Answer: Automobile exhaust gas that causes major respiratory problems is CO.