Final answer:
Carbon monoxide pollution is usually caused by the incomplete combustion of fuel in confined spaces with inadequate ventilation, such as oxygen burning gas in a closed space, making option 1 the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is a byproduct of the incomplete combustion of fuel. The most common sources of CO, especially in urban areas, are mobile sources such as cars, trucks, and other vehicles or machinery that burn fossil fuels. When hydrocarbon fuels are not completely burned, CO is released into the atmosphere, which can occur indoors with improperly vented heaters, leaking chimneys, gas stoves, and also in outdoor settings from vehicle emissions.
CO is known for its ability to cause health problems by reducing oxygen delivery to the body's organs and tissues. Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question about the source of carbon monoxide pollution would be option 1: oxygen burning gas in a closed space, which refers to scenarios where combustion in a confined space leads to the accumulation of carbon monoxide due to inadequate ventilation.