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🧪 Chemistry  ·  Environmental Chemistry  ·  NEET & JEE

The chief danger of carbon monoxide to humans is that it:

Answer: binds strongly to haemoglobin.

  • A it causes acid rain
  • B binds strongly to haemoglobin
  • C it depletes the ozone layer
  • D it merely forms smog

Correct answer: B. binds strongly to haemoglobin

Explanation: CO binds to haemoglobin far more tightly than O₂, blocking oxygen transport in the blood.

Classical (London) SmogSources: coal burningSO₂ + particulates + fogReducing typeConditions: cold, humid,early morning, winterVisibility: very low (fog)London, 1952 - ~4000 deathsHarms: eyes, lungs, bronchitisPhotochemical (LA) SmogSources: vehicles, industriesNOx + hydrocarbons + UVOxidising typeConditions: warm, sunny,afternoon, summerProducts: O₃, PAN, acroleinLos Angeles (common in cities)Harms: eyes, rubber cracking

Classical smog is a reducing mixture of SO₂ and fog, while photochemical smog is an oxidising mixture generated by UV-driven reactions of NOx and hydrocarbons.

Concept context

Understand how human activities alter the atmosphere, water, and soil. Covers air pollutants, smog types, ozone depletion, acid rain, greenhouse effect, water and soil pollution, and the principles of green chemistry.

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