Question

Carbon monoxide is a major pollutant of:

• A. Water
• B. Air
• C. Noise
• D. Soil

Answer 1

The correct option is B

Air

The correct option is B.

Explanation for the correct option:

1. Carbon monoxide is a major pollutant in the air.
2. Various automobiles and industries eject carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
3. Carbon monoxide when entering in lungs combine with hemoglobin and forms carboxyhemoglobin hindering the transport of oxygen.
4. Hence the presence of carbon monoxide can cause health problems. It inhibits the nervous system.
5. Carbon monoxide also affects the ozone layer and also leads to the greenhouse effect.

Explanation for the incorrect options:

Option A:

1. Carbon monoxide is a gas. It does not pollute water.
2. Water pollutants are generally bacteria, viruses, chemicals like fertilizers, plastic, etc.
3. They mix up with water and make it unfit for drinking and other purposes.

Option C:

1. Gases do not cause noise pollution. Carbon monoxide is a gas.
2. Noise pollution is caused by unwanted excessive sounds caused by industries, households, etc.
3. Exposure to loud noises can cause health issues like heart disease, sleep disturbances, etc.

Option D:

1. Soil pollutants are generally toxic chemicals, heavy metals, organic and inorganic solvents, hydrocarbons, etc.
2. It also includes herbicides, fertilizers, petroleum products, etc. Gases do not include soil pollutants. Carbon monoxide is not a soil pollutant.

Final answer: Carbon monoxide is a major pollutant of air.