Final answer:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It is highly toxic, binding to hemoglobin and preventing adequate oxygen transport in the body. While CO emissions outdoors come from vehicles, indoors it can be released from appliances like heaters and stoves.
The correct answer is option c) CO
Step-by-step explanation:
Carbon monoxide (CO) is recognized as a by-product of incomplete combustion, where the burning of carbon-containing materials occurs with insufficient oxygen. This condition often leads to the production of CO rather than carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is a telltale sign of complete combustion. When fuels like methane (CH₄) combust with limited oxygen, the chemical reaction can yield CO and water (H₂O), rather than CO₂ and H₂O, which are the expected products in a complete combustion reaction.
The presence of CO in the environment is a serious health hazard, as it is a colorless and odorless gas that can bind to hemoglobin in the blood more effectively than oxygen. This binding prevents oxygen from being transported efficiently throughout the body, which can result in severe health consequences, including brain and heart damage, and even death at high concentrations. The sources of CO in the outdoors primarily come from motor vehicles and other combustion engines, while indoors, it can be emitted from sources such as faulty furnaces, gas stoves, kerosene heaters, and more.
To mitigate the production of CO, catalytic converters are used in automobiles to transform CO into less harmful gases. However, the threat of CO exposure still persists, especially in environments without proper ventilation or with appliances that are not functioning correctly. It is crucial to ensure that combustion appliances are well-maintained and that homes are equipped with CO detectors to prevent accidental poisoning.