Question

If man inhales normal concentration of oxygen but also same concentration of CO; he suffers from suffocation because

• A. CO reacts with oxygen which is thus removed from air reaching the lungs.
• B. CO reacts faster with haemoglobin and products cannot dissociate.
• C. CO affects diaphragm and intercostal muscles.
• D. CO affects vagus nerves.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

CO reacts faster with haemoglobin and products cannot dissociate.

The major air pollutant gases are lead, ozone, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and sulfur dioxide. Carbon monoxide reduces oxygen delivery to all of the body's tissues and, for this reason, is very poisonous at high levels. Carbon dioxide binds irreversibly to hemoglobin and forms carboxyhemoglobin. The affinity of CO towards hemoglobin is much higher than oxygen.