Multiple choice

Which of the following atmospheric pollutants can cause anoxia?

  1. NO

  2. SO2

  3. CO2

  4. CO
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The toxic effects of carbon monoxide on human beings and animals arise from its reversible combination with haemoglobin (Hb) in red blood cells, which cause displacement of oxygen. This results in oxygen starvation or anoxia. The maximum permissible concentration of CO in the atmosphere is 40 ppm for an exposure of 8 hours. A higher concentration of CO or a longer exposure starts causing adverse effects. In small amounts, CO causes headaches and fatigue, and in larger doses, it can be lethal.

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