Question

The concentration of --------------- formed from continuous running of motor vehicle in a closed garage can cause asphyxiation

carbon dioxide

carbon monoxide

carbonate

NH4

none

Answer 1

SOLUTION:

The answer for this question is carbon monoxide (CO).

The concentration of carbon monoxide formed from the continous running of motor vehicle in a closed garage can cause asphyxiation or suffocation.

Carbon monoxide is a highly toxic gas produced due to the incomplete combustion of fuels. The internal combustion engine used in motor vehicles produce large concentrations of carbon monoxide. In a closed garage the space available is less and hence the concentration of pollutants is high. Carbon monoxide has a strong affinity for combining with the haemoglobin present in the blood. It combines with the haemoglobin to form carboxy haemoglobin, COHb. As a result the capability of the blood to carry oxygen to the body tissues is reduced considerably. The affinity of haemoglobin for carbon monoxide is 200 times more than its affinity for oxygen. Therefore the carbon monoxide seriously affect the transport of oxygen within the body. Carbon monoxide reduces the amount of oxygen supply to the brain, causing CO intoxication and lack of reasoning. As a result the person may collapse even before realising the problem. Because of its high affinity for haemoglobin even low concentration of carbon monoxide can cause headaches, fatigue, drowsiness, coma, respiratory failure and even death.