Question

Name the toxic gases released by burning of fossil fuels. What are the harms caused by these gases?

Answer 1

Fossil fuels

Fossil fuels are the non-renewable sources of energy obtained by the degradation of plant and animal remains buried deep inside the earth millions of years ago.

The toxic gases released by the burning of fossil fuels are:

1. Carbon dioxide
2. Carbon monoxide
3. Nitrogen oxides
4. Sulphur oxides

These toxic gases are very harmful to all living organisms. The harms caused by these gases are as follows:

1. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.
2. Carbon monoxide on inhalation combines with haemoglobin forming carboxyhaemoglobin which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of the red blood cells.
3. Nitrogen oxides cause global warming, acid rain, form smog and deteriorate water quality also.
4. Sulphur oxides are the main cause of acid rain.