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Difficulty: EasyPollution Types, Causes, Effects, and Control

Which of the following air pollutants reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of human blood by binding with hemoglobin?

  1. Carbon monoxideAnswer
  2. B
    Sulfur dioxide
  3. C
    Chlorofluorocarbon
  4. D
    Carbon dioxide

Answer

Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide combines with blood hemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, severely diminishing the capacity of red blood cells to transport oxygen.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the biological mechanism of carbon monoxide toxicity in humans.
Carbon monoxide (COCO) has an affinity for hemoglobin over 200 times greater than oxygen, forming carboxyhemoglobin.
This stable complex reduces the available hemoglobin sites for oxygen binding and inhibits oxygen release to tissues.

Key Concept

Air Pollutants and Biological Effects of Carbon Monoxide
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Pollution Types, Causes, Effects, and Control

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