Multiple choice general knowledge

Which of the following pollutants can readily mix with the blood and cause severe health problems?

  1. Carbon monoxide

  2. Carbon dioxide

  3. Sulfur dioxide

  4. Sulfur trioxide
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Carbon monoxide (CO) binds to hemoglobin with 200-250 times greater affinity than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin that prevents oxygen transport in blood. This causes tissue hypoxia and can be fatal. CO₂ dissolves as bicarbonate in blood but doesn't interfere with oxygen transport. SO₂ and SO₃ primarily cause respiratory irritation rather than entering bloodstream.

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