Question

Give reasons why carbon monoxide is considered a highly poisonous gas.State why it is dangerous i) To sleep in a closed room with a fuel burning. ii) To be in the vicinity of smoker.

Answer 1

Carbon monoxide is harmful when breathed because it displaces oxygen in the blood and deprives the heart, brain and other vital organs of oxygen.

i) It is dangerous to sleep in a closed room with a fuel burning incomplete combustion of coal gives carbon monoxide gas. The carbon monoxide gas produced can kill persons sleeping in that room.

ii) It is dangerous to be in the vicinity of smoker as greater amount of smoke from cigarettes is side-stream smoke i.e. smoke that has not passed through the smoker’s lungs and is hence unfiltered and more dangerous.