Question

Ethane bums completely in air to give CO₂. while in a limited supply of air gives CO. The same gases are found in automobile exhaust. Both CO and CO₂ are atmospheric pollutants

1. What is the danger associated with these gases?
2. How do the pollutants affect the human body?

Answer 1

The danger associated with CO and CO₂ & health hazards to the human body.

1. Carbon monoxide binds with haemoglobin and form carboxyhaemoglobin which impairs normal oxygen transport by blood and hence the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood is reduced. This oxygen deficiency results in headache, tension, dizziness, loss of consciousness, blurring of eyesight and cardiac arrest.
2. Increase in CO₂ level in the atmosphere is responsible for global warming. It causes headache and nausea.